The KIA Tigers have faced another injury setback. Pitcher Hwang Dong-ha was unexpectedly involved in a traffic accident while crossing a crosswalk.
According to MBC reports, Hwang was informed that he was involved in an accident with a vehicle while crossing a crosswalk in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, on the afternoon of the 8th.
The KIA team is currently staying at their accommodation in Incheon for a three-game series against the SSG Landers, which will be held at Incheon SSG Landers Field starting on the 9th, after finishing the game against Kiwoom in Gocheok on the 7th and moving to Incheon on their day off on the 8th.
According to the KIA club, Hwang has sustained a back injury, and a six-week recovery time is anticipated. He is scheduled for a detailed examination on the 9th. Due to Lee Yi-ri's rehabilitation and Yoon Young-chul's struggles, KIA has faced challenges in their starting rotation with the unexpected injury to Hwang.
Hwang Dong-ha, who joined KIA as the 65th pick in the 7th round of the 2022 rookie draft, made his first-team debut in 2023. He recorded 3 losses and an earned run average of 6.61 over 13 games.
Since late April last year, he played as a starter, contributing to the team's unified championship with a record of 5 wins and 7 losses with an earned run average of 4.44 in 25 games (22 starts). He effectively filled the gap left by Lee Yi-ri, who was sidelined with an elbow injury.
This season, he started the season as a bullpen pitcher, as he was surpassed by Kim Do-hyun in the competition for the fifth starter. After Yoon Young-chul was demoted to the second team due to poor performance, he received a temporary starting opportunity at the end of April. On the 7th, he pitched 5 innings, allowing 2 hits, striking out 4, and giving up 1 run in a strong outing against Kiwoom. He has appeared in 13 games this season, recording 1 win, 2 losses, and an earned run average of 5.52.
On the 7th, KIA, leading 10-3 in the 8th inning against Kiwoom, suffered a shocking reversal, allowing 8 runs in the bottom of the 8th and losing 10-11. Due to a string of injuries to key players, including early-season MVP Kim Do-young, the team temporarily dropped to 10th place, but has since climbed to 6th with a record of 16 wins and 19 losses.
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