"A month later, I will start technical training."
KIA Tigers outfielder Na Sung-bum (36) is expected to have a prolonged absence. He will begin technical training only a month later. He is likely to return at the end of the first half of the season. Patrick Wisdom, the team's home run leader, has been removed from the roster due to back pain. The KIA lineup faces a worsening situation amid ongoing setbacks.
Manager Lee Beom-ho announced new information about Na Sung-bum's injury ahead of the 2025 game against the Lotte Giants, set to take place at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 13th. He was placed on the injured list after being diagnosed with a calf muscle injury on April 27. At that time, it was decided that a reassessment would take place two weeks later to schedule rehabilitation.
Na Sung-bum underwent an MRI examination at the designated hospital, Seonhan Hospital, on the 12th. The film was also sent to a specialized hospital in Seoul for cross-checking. The club stated, "It is necessary to have about four weeks of treatment from now. After that, we received the opinion that he would begin technical training." Lee noted, "We will conduct another examination to determine when he can start technical training and running. We need to monitor for about a month."
It was already anticipated that he would have a significant period of inactivity due to the injury. Including nearly a month of treatment time along with technical training and real game assessments, it is expected to take more than six weeks. If rehabilitation proceeds without any issues, he may return to the first team in the last week of June. This means a central player will be absent for two months.
Another setback has occurred. Foreign batter Wisdom was removed from the roster that day. He played as first baseman during the first game of the doubleheader against the SSG Landers on the 11th but was substituted due to back pain. He received injection treatment, but the pain did not subside. Lee explained, "It seems that he will not be able to play in games for about a week. So, we decided to give him about ten days off."
It is difficult to swing fully with back pain. Having previously dealt with flu-like symptoms, it was deemed better to allow enough rest for ten days. Although Wisdom's batting average was only .240, he has contributed with 9 home runs, 26 RBIs, and 25 runs. As a result, the lineup will operate without Wisdom against Lotte (Gwangju), Doosan (Gwangju), and KT (Suwon). Byeon Woo-hyuk will play first base in place of Wisdom.
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