Will the Samsung Lions, who are on the brink of losing 1 win and 3 games, take out Koo Ja-wook’s pinch hitter card in Game 5 of the Korean Series against the KIA Tigers.
Koo Ja-wook suffered a ligament injury in his left knee while trying to steal second base in the second playoff game against the LG Twins at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 15th. Since then, he has been struggling to recover from his injury, moving to Yokohama, Japan, and receiving rehabilitation treatment for two nights and three days.
Koo Ja-wook joined the squad ahead of Game 4 of the playoffs against LG at Jamsil Stadium on the 19th. Although he did not play, he took the lead in lifting the mood in the dugout as a captain.
Younger players also welcomed Koo Ja-wook’s return. Infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk said, “Ja-wook’s return is very big. I think he’s more united because he has a brother. I’m glad that there’s a necessary existence.” Kim Young-woong welcomed Koo’s return, saying, “It’s definitely there, not much difference.”
After confirming his qualification for the Korean Series, Koo said, “I want my knee to get better soon and be of help to my team. I just want my knee to be okay. I will concentrate on treatment as much as possible and work hard on ice packs every night.” Koo has been listed as a starting member of the Korean Series, but there is little chance that he will play as a starting player.
Coach Park Jin-man said on the Korea Series Media Day on the 20th, “As of now, I think it will be difficult not only to start the game but also to play defense throughout the series. Depending on the situation, we will decide whether to use a substitute.”
Samsung took the opportunity to take the first and second bases with no outs in the sixth inning with a 1-0 lead in the first game of the Korean Series against KIA at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 21st. Koo Ja-wook, wearing a helmet and preparing to play with a bat in the dugout, was caught on the broadcast screen.
Regarding Koo Ja-wook’s warm-up in front of the dugout during the game, coach Park Jin-man said, “I think he was preparing for himself rather than putting it in right away. In that situation, the experienced player moved on his own.” Koo Ja-wook did not play, but he took the lead in lifting the mood of the dugout. Ahead of Game 4 of the Korean Series on the 26th, he called a coffee truck to Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
Coach Park Jin-man said of Koo Ja-wook, “Don’t you think you’re the most disappointed? I have to run, but I can’t. I can’t perform well outside the ballpark, but I think he energizes the players psychologically. He is playing the role of captain. I will do my best as much as I can. He is moving well on the bench.” 메이저놀이터
Koo stayed on the bench until the fourth game. When asked whether Koo will be appointed as a substitute, coach Park Jin-man replied, “(The current condition of Koo Ja-wook) remains the same. I am checking his e-mail. I am checking for pain.”
Samsung will play the fifth game of the Korean Series against KIA at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on Sunday. It is undeniable that the team is on the defensive with one win and three losses. “We are in the final corner now. We have to pour all our energy that we can to play in the fifth game,” coach Park Jin-man said after losing the fourth game of the Korean Series. “We will prepare like that.” Will Koo Ja-wook’s substitute card be included in the team’s power that Park can use.
