Professional baseball player Kim Do-young (22) of the KIA Tigers is entering intensive training for his return from injury.
KIA said on the 21st, "Kim Do-young received an ultrasound examination today at Seonhan Hospital and was deemed capable of normal training. Accordingly, he will undergo technical training on the 22nd, participate in a Futures game (against Hampyeong Samsung) on the 23rd, and engage in live batting on the 24th, and he is expected to await a call-up to the first team."
Drafted first overall in the 2022 rookie draft, Kim Do-young joined KIA and garnered much expectation from the debut season. However, he achieved somewhat disappointing results with a batting average of .237 in 103 games (224 at-bats, 53 hits), 3 home runs, 19 RBIs, 37 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases, with an OPS of .674. In 2023, he was also hindered by injuries, recording a batting average of .300 over 84 games (340 at-bats, 103 hits), 7 home runs, 47 RBIs, 72 runs scored, and 25 stolen bases, leaving fans wanting more.
Nevertheless, Kim Do-young put behind the disappointments of his first two seasons and had a stellar season last year, recording a batting average of .347 over 141 games (544 at-bats, 189 hits), 38 home runs, 109 RBIs, 143 runs scored, 40 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.067. While he failed to achieve the historic feat of becoming the second player in KBO League history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases, he set records for the youngest and fewest games to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, the most runs scored in a single season, the first to hit 10 home runs and steal 10 bases in a single month, and the fewest at-bats for a natural cycling hit, thrilling fans and earning the league MVP. KIA also claimed its 12th Korean Series championship.
Given that it was the next year after his best season, the expectations of fans for Kim Do-young's performance this season soared. However, immediately as the season began, shocking news emerged. Kim Do-young suffered a left hamstring injury while returning to first base after making a hit in the season opener.
His return was anticipated as early as April, but his recovery has been slower than expected. Kim Do-young underwent MRI examinations at Seonhan Hospital on the 3rd and 14th (cross-referencing the MRI images with Sejong Sports Orthopedic Hospital) but did not receive a diagnosis indicating complete recovery.
After dedicating a week to rehabilitation and treatment, Kim Do-young has finally received a diagnosis that he is capable of normal training. He plans to immediately enter training for his return to the first team, with a return expected as early as this week.
Defending champion KIA has recorded 11 wins and 12 losses this season, maintaining a win percentage of .478, placing 6th in the league. Although they recently won two games in a row, the results remain unsatisfactory. The return of Kim Do-young could be a significant boon. KIA fans are eagerly awaiting his return.
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