San Diego Padres center fielder Kim Ha-seong (27-San Diego Padres), who injured his right shoulder while sliding into home plate, has announced his intention to return to the field, saying there is nothing wrong with the bone.
“When I was hit during the game, I didn’t feel well, but as time went by, I felt better,” Kim told the San Diego Union-Tribune and other local media outlets in a clubhouse interview after the Padres’ 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series home game against the Texas Rangers at Petco Park in San Diego, California, U.S., on Aug. 31 (KST). “For now, I have to see how it is tomorrow.”
“The x-ray didn’t show anything wrong with the bone,” he said, “but it’s possible that I’ll wake up tomorrow morning and not feel well. We have to wait and see,” he said.
“If I feel better tomorrow, I will play right away,” he said, adding, “I want to return to the lineup as soon as possible.”
Kim was injured in the bottom of the third inning, when the score was tied at 0-0.
After reaching on an infield single, Kim tagged up from third base on Xander Bogaerts’ sacrifice fly, and as he slid head-first toward home plate, his right hand collided with the catcher’s knee.
The impact was felt in his right shoulder.
“When I was sliding, the opposing catcher blocked it with his knee,” Kim explained.
Despite the pain, Kim remained focused. While the catcher missed the ball, he crawled over and hit home plate with his right hand to score.
“Even if it was called an out, I would have been saved by the video replay,” he said.
After scoring, Kim walked to the dugout with his right shoulder in a sling and was replaced during the offensive shift.
Local media reported that the aftermath of Kim’s injury and the timing of his return could have a significant impact on the San Diego team.
In an article titled “San Diego members hold their breath as Kim hurts shoulder,” the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote, “The second baseman’s value to San Diego’s postseason hopes is enormous. Helmets and sunglasses are constantly flying (as he plays hustle). He has become one of the most valuable second basemen in the MLB.”
“His 5.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) ranks third in MLB behind only Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels – 7.7) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves – 5.4),” he said, adding, “The impact of losing him to injury would be devastating.”
His teammates also recognize his value.
“He’s been the best player on the team this season,” said key outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. “We’re going to need him if we’re going to make the postseason,” he said.
“He’s had a chance to prove himself this season, and he’s the best player on the team right now,” he said, “He just needed time to adjust.”
When asked by local reporters about the reasons behind his blistering hitting this season, Kim was straightforward in his explanation.
“I always go into the batter’s box with confidence,” he said, “and if you don’t have confidence, you won’t get good results.”
“I feel comfortable at the plate because of my experience,” he said, “and I pay attention to my routine.”
Kim has been leading the team offensively and defensively this season with a .279 batting average, 14 home runs, 39 RBIs, 카지노사이트킴 21 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.821.