LG Twins lose key reliever to shoulder injury

The LG Twins announced on Wednesday that veteran relief pitcher Kim Jin-sung will be sidelined for about a month due to a shoulder injury, further complicating an already health-stricken season for the team. Manager Youm Kyoung-youb disclosed that the 41-year-old Kim was diagnosed with rotator cuff damage in his right shoulder and will miss three to four weeks of action.

Kim, the oldest pitcher on the Twins, holds the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) lead with 18 saves this season. His bullpen partner, Woo Kang-hoon, also shares this save record of 18. These two pitchers have been shouldering the burden for the struggling Twins, who recently lost All-Star closer You Young-chan to a season-ending elbow injury and recently released setup man Yacksel Rios.

Kim reportedly complained of shoulder stiffness following his last start last Friday, leading to further tests that confirmed the rotator cuff issue. The team's manager expressed the need to adapt to the new circumstances, emphasizing that Kim has been a crucial component of their bullpen this year. Recently added Australian left-hander Jon Kennedy, with minor league experience and a strong World Baseball Classic pedigree, will immediately step into the rotation, with Youm planning to utilize him in high-pressure situations, particularly against left-handed batters.