The unexpected fracture of Hwang Sung-bin, who led the early surge of the Lotte Giants in professional baseball, has added another wrinkle to manager Kim Tae-hyung's face.

The Lotte organization announced the results of Hwang Sung-bin's additional hospital examination on the 9th. Hwang Sung-bin, who underwent tests at Korea University Anam Hospital, had a further exam at Samsung Seoul Hospital for a cross-check and was diagnosed with a fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone in his left hand. Lotte stated, "Surgery is needed to rush the return schedule, and the plate fixation surgery is scheduled for the 9th at Samsung Seoul Hospital."

Hwang Sung-bin is expected to take at least two months to return. Lotte explained, "Two weeks of rest are needed after surgery. Technical training will be possible after six weeks, and returning is expected to take about 8 to 10 weeks."

Hwang Sung-bin appeared as the leadoff hitter in the first inning of the game against SSG Landers on the 5th, attempted a surprise bunt, and injured his left fourth finger while sliding headfirst into first base. Complaining of pain, Hwang Sung-bin was replaced by Kim Dong-hyuk and eventually underwent surgery.

On the 9th, manager Kim Tae-hyung, who met in Suwon, sighed, saying, "What can I do? Just because I strongly tell him not to slide headfirst, will that change anything?" He added, "Bunting and sliding is Hwang Sung-bin's trademark. Of course, it's risky, but he's such an excellent slider that I didn't say much. Players get injured while doing that..." expressing regret for the injury of his beloved player.

Hwang Sung-bin has been leading the Lotte team’s surge toward the top ranks this season with his characteristic fighting spirit and hustling play. He posted a batting average of .324 over 28 games, with 12 RBIs, 18 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases, along with a batting average of .345 with runners in scoring position. This is why manager Kim Tae-hyung sighed particularly deeply over his loss.

So, can Hwang Sung-bin return to the first team before the end of the first half? Manager Kim Tae-hyung replied, "I don't know about that," showing a face filled with concern again.

Fortunately, Yoon Dong-hee has been filling the gap left by Hwang Sung-bin well. He was appointed as the starting leadoff hitter in the games against SSG on the 6th and 7th, achieving 2 hits out of 3 at-bats with 1 home run and 2 RBIs on the first day, and 3 hits out of 5 at-bats with 1 run on the second day. Moving up to the leadoff position, he raised his season batting average from .255 to .284.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung noted with satisfaction, "Yoon Dong-hee has to play the role of Hwang Sung-bin now, and he is doing well."

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