Seoul: The LG Twins announced Wednesday that they will be without veteran relief pitcher Kim Jin-sung for about a month due to a shoulder injury, adding to the team's ongoing health challenges this season. Manager Youm Kyoung-youb revealed that Kim, 41, has been diagnosed with damage to the rotator cuff in his right shoulder and will be out for three to four weeks.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim, who is the oldest pitcher for the Twins, is currently tied for the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) lead with 18 holds, alongside his bullpen mate Woo Kang-hoon. The duo has been instrumental in holding the fort for the Twins, who have already lost All-Star closer You Young-chan to a season-ending elbow injury and recently released setup man Yacksel Rios.
Kim reportedly complained of stiffness in his shoulder after his last outing on Friday, a sensation he had not previously experienced. The team opted for further tests, which uncovered the rotator cuff issue. "We just have to do what we can under the circumstances," Youm told reporters before a match against the KT Wiz at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. "Jin-sung has been a rock in our bullpen all year, and we have to figure out how to fill that hole."
In a bid to bolster the bullpen, the team has activated new Australian left-hander Jon Kennedy. Kennedy, 31, brings with him a wealth of experience from both Australian and U.S. minor leagues and has represented his country in the past three World Baseball Classic tournaments. Youm plans to rely on Kennedy in high-pressure situations, particularly against left-handed batters, and is optimistic about his impact. "I think hitters seeing him for the first time will have a difficult time," Youm said, humorously dubbing Kennedy "the president" in reference to his surname. "He is ready to pitch on back-to-back days and can eat up multiple innings at a time."