San Francisco Giants Lee Jung-hoo (27) returned from a back injury and had a successful comeback game.

On the 24th (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo played as the third center fielder at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, in a game against the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, going 2 for 2 with 1 hit, 1 RBI, 1 run, and 1 walk. Lee Jung-hoo, who had been suffering from back pain since participating in a spring training exhibition game against the Texas Rangers on the 14th, returned to the starting lineup after ten days.

In his first at-bat in the first inning with one out and a runner on first base, Lee Jung-hoo faced Kaden Win, who had recorded a 3-8 record with a 7.16 ERA in 12 games at the major league level last year. Lee Jung-hoo swung the bat aggressively against Win, hitting a double to center field on the second pitch, bringing home the runner on first base, Heliot Ramos. Later, Lee Jung-hoo scored due to an error by the opposing shortstop.

In his second at-bat in the bottom of the second inning with two outs and runners on first and second, he faced Kaden Win again, battles a full count before walking to first base. He succeeded in reaching base in both at-bats during his comeback game after ten days.

In his third at-bat in the bottom of the fourth inning with two outs and runners on first and second, Lee Jung-hoo grounded out to first base against Tristan Beck. After playing through to the bottom of the fifth inning, Lee Jung-hoo was substituted, concluding his successful comeback game.

Last season in May, Lee Jung-hoo sustained a shoulder injury during a defensive play and was ruled out for the season due to surgery. However, he made a strong return, boasting a batting average of .300 (9 hits in 30 at-bats), 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 9 runs scored in 12 exhibition games, wielding a powerful bat.

However, just before the game against the Seattle Mariners on the 16th, he was excluded from the starting lineup due to a sudden back injury. It was considered a minor injury at first. However, there was no improvement in the pain, and he ultimately underwent an MRI examination on the 19th. The examination revealed no structural damage, but a return date could not be predicted.

Manager Bob Melvin noted on the 22nd that he hoped Lee Jung-hoo would be back in time for the opening game against the Cincinnati Reds on the 28th. However, after resting until the game on the 22nd, he returned on this day after ten days.

Lee Jung-hoo, who admitted, "I have never experienced back pain this severe before," stated, "The opening game is really important. If I am ready, I will obviously play," but also emphasized, "However, the season is a long journey of 162 games, and I want to view this in the long term. If I am ready, I will participate; if not, I believe I will need more time to adjust. I want to utilize that time well," vowing to calmly improve his physical condition. Although he said he wouldn't rush, Lee Jung-hoo's batting form remained strong despite the ten-day hiatus.

According to John Shea, a reporter for the "San Francisco Standard," Lee Jung-hoo said, "I received an injection treatment for my back and I feel much better." He further mentioned, "It's so minor that I don't even want to use the word injury," and expressed his determination to play without being concerned about the pain.

And he proved his health by showcasing that there were no issues with returning for the opening game.

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