Ha-Seong Kim (28, San Diego Padres) was absent for two days in a row due to unexplained abdominal pain. Although he avoided being placed on the injured list, it is expected that it will take a few more days for him to return as the San Diego team’s medical team is unable to properly determine the cause.
The San Diego Union-Tribune, an American media outlet, said on the 19th (Korean time),안전놀이터 “The San Diego team’s medical team is still unable to address Kim Ha-sung’s abdominal problem. Xander Bogaerts is scheduled to take Kim Ha-sung’s leadoff position.”
The previous day (18th), San Diego excluded Kim Ha-seong, who was scheduled to play as the first hitter and second baseman, from the starting lineup just before the away game against the Oakland Athletics. According to Sports Illustrated (SI), San Diego coach Bob Melvin explained, “Kim Ha-seong complained of abdominal pain. He was quite uncomfortable. We won’t know until an accurate examination, but it was clear that he wouldn’t be able to play in this game.”
He also visited the hospital, but the exact cause has not yet been revealed. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Ha-seong Kim said, “According to the medical staff, it is not a big problem. I have been feeling the same way for several days. I am still waiting for the medical team’s decision,” he said. “It is unfortunate that something like this happened at this time and I am not in a good mood.” I expressed my feelings.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Ha-seong Kim’s abdominal pain does not seem to rule out the possibility of an internal problem other than muscle. If he is not suffering from simple pain, the possibility of being out for the season cannot be ignored.
If this happens, the challenge of becoming the first Asian major leaguer to record 20 home runs and 40 stolen bases will be raised. Ha-seong Kim had an explosive first half of this year, his third year in the major leagues, and was recording a season performance of 0.265 batting average in 143 games, 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, 81 runs, 36 stolen bases, 0.356 on-base percentage, 0.407 slugging percentage, and 0.763 OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage). With only 3 home runs and 4 stolen bases left to reach the record, San Diego’s remaining games are also short, with 12 games remaining until the game on the 19th.
It is unclear whether the San Diego team will bring back Kim Ha-seong. San Diego, which is ranked 4th in the National League West Division and 7th in the wild card with 72 wins and 78 losses, has virtually no reason to strain its starting player, Kim Ha-seong, who must play in good health next year as fall baseball has been virtually frustrated. This is why the San Diego team under coach Melvin takes a cautious approach in official interviews.
Even if he returns quickly, it is difficult to expect his batting skills to recover quickly. Recently, Ha-seong Kim’s batting average in 30 games was 0.200 (24 hits in 120 at-bats), and his OPS was low at 0.551. It was the aftermath of running without stopping during the first half of the season. San Diego gave Kim Ha-seong a break for the first time in 49 days in the game on the 13th, but even after his return, he did not recover easily, only giving no hits in two consecutive games. In a recent interview with the San Diego-area media outlet ‘San Diego Union Tribune’, Ha-seong Kim honestly stated, “It’s a really, really long (season). I’m working on my body,” and added, “I’ll stay fresh, play at a high level, and help the team win.” I’m trying to do everything I can to help.
