The Samsung Lions have gotten a breath of fresh air. Starting shortstop Lee Jae-hyun (20), who suffered a dislocated shoulder, is expected to return quickly.

Lee Jae-hyun started the game against SSG Landers at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on April 13 as the eighth outfielder. With the bases loaded 꽁머니지급 in the bottom of the third inning, Jae-hyun made a nice catch on a hit by SSG’s Choi Ji-hoon. It looked like it was going to slip between the third baseman and shortstop, but he leaped to make the catch. Lee Jae-hyun immediately threw to second base to get out the runner, Choo Shin-soo, who did not make it home.

But after the hit, Lee complained of pain. He dislocated his left shoulder when he hit the ground while diving. He was immediately helped to the dugout, but was replaced by Kim Ho-jae and treated with an ice pack to protect the player.

On the 14th, Jae-hyun was examined at the club’s designated hospital. Fortunately, it wasn’t serious. A Samsung team official said, “After the checkup, it’s not a major injury. He was told that there is inflammation in the area and that he needs to be observed for two to three days.”

Samsung infielder Lee Jae-hyun. Photo Samsung Lions
Lee Jae-hyun joined the Samsung Lions last year as the team’s first-round pick and quickly developed into the team’s starting shortstop. This season, he was the only player on the team to play in all 100 regular-season games. In addition to his defense, Jae-hyun is a big part of the offense. His batting average isn’t high at .243, but he does pack a punch with 10 home runs. Last year, he didn’t have any stolen bases, but this year, he’s improved all around, with five.

Samsung has had a lot of injuries this year. Key hitters like Koo Ja-rook, Oh Jae-il, and Kim Ji-chan have been sidelined at one time or another. More recently, the team had to rush to acquire Taylor Widener off waivers from NC after foreign pitcher Albert Suarez was injured. Luckily, Lee’s absence has been shortened.