Gwangju: The reigning South Korean baseball MVP Kim Do-yeong resumed baseball activities this week as he makes his way back from a hamstring injury, his club said Thursday. The Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced that the latest test conducted on Thursday showed "a notable improvement" in Kim's injured left hamstring. Kim resumed technical training on Wednesday at the club's minor league facilities in Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province, the Gwangju-based team added.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a Tigers official stated, "He will train for about a week before getting into rehab games in the minor league. After that point, we will be able to determine a timetable for his return." Kim incurred a mild, grade 1 strain of his left hamstring during the Tigers' first game of the season on March 22. The injury occurred after he hit a single against the NC Dinos and made a slightly larger turn than usual while rounding first base, prompting him to clutch the back of his left thigh.
The Tigers, aiming to become the first team in nine years to repeat as Korean Series champions, have been plagued by early-season injuries. They have also lost their starting shortstop Park Chan-ho, who is sidelined with a right knee injury, and second baseman Kim Sun-bin, who is recovering from a left calf injury. As of Wednesday, the Tigers were tied for last place, holding a record of 3-6-0 (wins-losses-ties).
Kim, at just 20 years old, had an extraordinary 2024 season, securing the regular-season MVP award with ease. He achieved a remarkable feat by hitting 38 home runs and stealing 40 bases, making him the youngest member of the 30-30 club in KBO history. Additionally, he set a single-season record with 143 runs scored. His impressive stats, including a batting average of .347/.420/.647 and 109 RBIs, made him the youngest player to achieve a .300 batting average, 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 100 runs scored in one season.