Doosan Bears catcher Yang Eui-ji (38) was substituted after being hit by a foul ball.
Yang was in the starting lineup as the No. 3 catcher for the game against the SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 23rd.
Entering his first at-bat with two outs in the top of the first inning, Yang faced SSG left-handed starter Kim Kwang-hyun. In a 3-ball, 1-strike situation, Yang aimed for Kim's fastball, but unfortunately, the foul ball hit his left instep. After being hit by the foul ball, Yang collapsed due to the pain and could not get up for a while.
After receiving treatment for a moment, Yang resumed batting and reached base on a walk. He came up to bat as the leadoff hitter in the fourth inning, but was retired on a swing-and-a-miss strikeout. Struggling to regain his condition, Yang was ultimately replaced by designated hitter Kim Gi-yeon in his third at-bat with one out and a runner on first base in the fifth inning, finishing the game.
Doosan explained, "Yang was substituted after being hit on the left big toe by a foul ball in the top of the first inning for player protection. He is currently undergoing icing treatment."
Recently, Doosan has been struggling due to a succession of injuries. Just before the season opener, starting pitcher Kwak Bin and relief pitcher Hong Geon-hee both sustained injuries, significantly impacting the team's strength. If the injured Yang, the starting catcher, is unable to participate as well, it could complicate the early-season ranking competition. Fans are very concerned about whether Yang can be healthy enough to play in the next game.
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