"All four opinions are different."

Veteran infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk (31) of the Samsung Lions was left out of the starting lineup for the game against the Kia Tigers on 11th at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. The impact was from injuring the ligament in his left thumb while making a storm of base running the day before.

Samsung set the lineup with Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Koo Ja-wook (left fielder), Diaz (first baseman), Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Park Byung-ho (designated hitter), Kim Tae-hoon (right fielder), Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), Kim Jae-sung (catcher), and Yang Do-geun (second baseman). With Ryu Ji-hyuk out, Yang Do-geun took the position of second baseman.

Ryu Ji-hyuk hit a single to left-center field after one out in the seventh inning while leading 3-0, and he sprinted with a headfirst slide to reach second base. The umpire ruled him out, but after a video review, he was called safe by a narrow margin for touching the base first. It was a double earned through his trademark hustle play.

However, during the sliding process, his left thumb was bent. He was immediately replaced by Yang Do-geun and received icing treatment. At the hospital, a detailed examination and double-check were performed, but the opinions were inconsistent. There was conflicting judgment on ligament damage or a mild muscle strain.

Manager Park Jin-man explained before the game in Gwangju on 11th, "Ji-hyuk said he was fine, but I told him to get checked just in case, and all four opinions are different. The worst opinion says it's not a bone but ligament-related. There are opinions that the front side is not good and those that the back side is not good."

He added, "Fortunately, there is not much pain. It’s not his throwing hand, and it's his upper hand when batting. I will have him examined at a hand specialist in Daegu on Friday (13th) to decide on roster adjustments. He will play as a substitute fielder or pinch runner today and tomorrow."

Ryu Ji-hyuk has played as a starter in 62 games this year, achieving a batting average of .289 with 1 home run, 21 RBIs, 28 runs, and 8 stolen bases, posting a solid OPS of .712.

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