"I’m sorry for disappearing after just one game."
Kia Tigers' prodigious hitter Kim Do-young (22) apologized for his injury absence and promised a swift return. Kim participated in the 2025 professional baseball opening game against the NC Dinos on the 22nd at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field but was substituted out due to a hamstring injury after just two at-bats. He was diagnosed with hamstring damage following a detailed examination, making a prolonged absence inevitable.
The team won 9-2, but the shock was significant. Fans were extremely worried. A new term 'Donisal' (Do-young, you’re the reason I live) was created, reflecting the overwhelming support from fans. The team boasts unprecedented popularity in terms of crowd-drawing and merchandise sales.
He became a significant variable in the team's performance. Last year, he achieved an impressive batting average of .347, 38 home runs, 40 stolen bases, 109 RBIs, 143 runs scored, and an OPS of 1.067. He was a prodigious hitter who influenced the team's offensive power. His exceptional slugging and on-base abilities made him a crucial player on the offense, positively affecting the surrounding hitters.
With his irreplaceable core power leaving after just one game, the team faces significant pressure on its scoring ability. They are currently pondering who to utilize at third base. Classmate Yoon Do-hyun is likely to be brought in, but lineup changes are inevitable. They will need to reorganize the table setters to provide scoring chances to the central hitters Na Sung-bum, Wisdom Choi Hyung-woo.
The injury process evokes much sympathy. After hitting a single, he hastily tried to reach second base, leading to the hamstring injury. While the desire to advance into scoring position with a 1-0 lead is understandable, the situation was not conducive to it. Veteran Choi Hyung-woo, who hit the game-winning hit in the opening match, expressed his frustration: "There's nothing to say. Nobody touched him. I want to go and give him a punch."
The person most saddened by this is Kim himself. Having prepared well through hard work during the offseason, spring camp, and exhibition games, it was hard to accept that he was sidelined after just two at-bats due to injury. His grim expression when entering the dugout spoke volumes. He felt even more remorse as fans and baseball people expressed their worries and hopes for his speedy recovery.
That evening, he posted a message on his social media, expressing his regrets and promising a swift return. "Hello, my injury today was entirely my fault. Thank you for your concerns and support. I’m sorry for disappearing after just one game. I will be back soon. Definitely," he wrote. He must undergo a re-examination to determine his rehabilitation schedule. Complete recovery takes priority over a quick return.
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