Japanese media reported extensively on the news of Jang Du-seong (Lotte Giants outfielder), who suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage injury after being hit by a pitch.

Jang Du-seong was named the starting center fielder in the away game against the KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 12th and was injured during the 10th inning of extra time, requiring transport by ambulance. Jang Du-seong drew a walk against KT closer Park Young-hyun with one out in the top of the 10th inning tied at 7-7.

Afterward, while Go Seung-min was at bat, Jang Du-seong was sharply hit in the left side by a pickoff throw from Park Young-hyun at first base. Despite the pain, Jang Du-seong saw the ball get away and sprinted to second base, but after arriving at second, he collapsed and reported significant pain, vomiting blood.

In response, Coach Yoo Jae-shin gestured for emergency assistance, indicating that something had come out of Jang Du-seong's mouth. Fortunately, Jang Du-seong managed to lift himself up but was urgently transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Jang Du-seong received inpatient treatment at a hospital in Suwon and was discharged earlier than planned as the bleeding stopped. He is currently resting at home in Cheonan and is expected to undergo further examinations at Samsung Medical Center on the 16th.

After graduating from Dongsan High School, Jang Du-seong was selected in the 10th round of the 2nd draft by Lotte in 2018. Until last year, he remained a promising rookie but has played well this season, appearing in 61 games with a batting average of .330 (47 hits in 155 at-bats), 23 RBIs, 34 runs, and 9 stolen bases. However, he sustained an unexpected injury, necessitating a pause in his progress.

The Japanese sports media outlet 'Sponichi Annex' reported on the 13th that Jang Du-seong's injury was a topic of discussion, noting that 'it’s the first time our mood has dropped despite winning, after making 5 hits.' Son Ho-young, who led the team to victory, said, 'When you get hit by a pitch, your defensive instincts kick in momentarily, but with a pickoff throw, you don’t think about that at all, so it’s more painful.'

The media continued, stating, 'Injuries from being hit by pickoff throws happen frequently. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a bruise on his left thigh from a pickoff throw in May last year, and Ryoichi Adachi of Orix Buffaloes was injured in September 2019 after being hit in the face by a pickoff throw.'

KT manager Lee Kang-cheol expressed regret over Jang Du-seong's unexpected injury before the game against the Daegu Samsung Lions on the 13th, saying, 'It happened during the game, and it wasn’t intentional, but I still feel very sorry that Jang Du-seong got injured. I hope it’s not a serious injury. The main coach also reached out to convey his apologies.'

According to KT officials, Kim Tae-hyoung, the main coach of KT, called Jo Won-woo, the main coach of Lotte, after the game on the 12th, saying, 'It was something that happened during the game, but I’m sorry that a player got injured. I hope it’s not a serious injury. Please convey my wishes to Coach Kim Tae-hyoung as well.' Park Young-hyun also called Jang Du-seong to express his apologies.

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