What kind of performance will there be without Kim Do-young for a month?

The KIA Tigers have taken on a significant challenge since the opening game of 2025. Star hitter Kim Do-young exited due to a thigh injury after just two at-bats. After a thorough examination, three hospitals rated the severity of his hamstring injury as 'Grade 1.' This is the lowest level of injury. Thankfully, it is not a serious injury, but a prolonged absence is inevitable.

The team said, "It's a relief that it's not a serious injury. We need to re-examine after two weeks to determine the exact return date." NC coach Lee Ho-jun, curious about the severity of Kim Do-young's injury, noted, "If it's Grade 1, it will take about a month." He added that a return is expected by late April or early May at the latest.

It is by no means a short period. This year, with minimal differences in team strengths, the team must operate without their star player for a month. Manager Lee Bum-ho is acutely aware of the seriousness of the situation. He lamented, "I couldn't sleep." Now, they face the daunting task of minimizing the impact of Kim Do-young's absence. The evaluation of having a top-tier batting lineup is now in question.

Kim Do-young has shown power by hitting home runs and possesses clutch abilities. His execution skills are also excellent. When he gets on base with a hit or a walk, he easily steals bases. As a baserunner, he makes it easy to achieve a hit-and-run, and even if he doesn't steal, he creates advantageous conditions for the hitters at bat. He rarely grounds into double plays. He is invaluable in helping the manager execute game plans and is a key offensive player.

In the opening two-game series against NC, the team went 1-1 without Kim Do-young. However, had the opposing bullpen been stronger, they could have faced two losses. They were trailing 1-2 in the first game but scored eight runs in the eighth inning for a major victory. Jung Sa-min, who was selected for NC's closing lineup for the first time this year, faltered. They lost the second game 4-5. NC handled their bullpen effectively, and their closers performed well. If NC had managed their bullpen in the first game as they did in the second, KIA could have lost.

In the second game, Manager Lee Bum-ho used his classmate Yoon Do-hyun at third base in place of Kim Do-young. Choi Won-jun was moved up to the second spot where Kim Do-young had been. The attack lost its luster. Yoon Do-hyun, batting ninth, went 0-for-2 and was replaced in his third at-bat. He had little first-team experience and was naturally weak against breaking balls.

Choi Won-jun, who had two hits the previous day, struggled, going 0-for-4. Along with Park Chan-ho, the table setters were ineffective, causing missed opportunities and frustrating offense. The new foreign player, Patrick Wisdom, batting fourth, had yet to record an extra-base hit or a single, only drawing three walks in two games. He is still in the adaptation phase. If Kim Do-young had been present, they could afford to be patient, but if Wisdom's silence continues, it could become a significant burden.

Manager Lee Bum-ho is considering various options to maximize offense. He might call up Byun Woo-hyuk from the second team to use as a third baseman. Byun Woo-hyuk recorded a batting average of .300 last year. Alternatively, they could shift Wisdom, who is accustomed to playing third, to first base. Nevertheless, the absence of Kim Do-young is likely to lead to decreased scoring ability. Minimizing this impact is an immediate challenge. How the team performs during the month without Kim Do-young will be a point of interest.

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