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KBO saves leader out for Lions' postseason series due to injury

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Summary

Samsung Lions announced Saturday that closer Kim Jae-yoon will miss their South Korean postseason series against the Kia Tigers because of an upper body injury. Kim has a mild tear in his right serratus anterior muscle and is expected to rest for about two weeks. The best-of-five series starts Sunday, and Kim may also be unavailable for the Korean Series if the Lions advance.


Key Facts

  • Kim led the Korea Baseball Organization with 35 saves during the regular season.
  • The serratus anterior, sometimes called the boxer’s muscle, is on the side and front of the rib cage and runs beneath the shoulder blade.
  • If the Lions-Tigers series goes the distance, its final game is scheduled for next Saturday.
  • The Korean Series is scheduled to begin Nov. 2.
  • The Lions had the second-lowest bullpen ERA in the regular season at 4.23.
By Yonhap
  • Published Oct 24, 2026 5:26 pm KST
  • Updated Oct 24, 2026 5:27 pm KST
Samsung Lions pitcher Kim Jae-yoon delivers a pitch against the LG Twins during a Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Seoul, June 27. Yonhap

Samsung Lions pitcher Kim Jae-yoon delivers a pitch against the LG Twins during a Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Seoul, June 27. Yonhap

The Samsung Lions announced Saturday their All-Star closer Kim Jae-yoon will miss their upcoming South Korean baseball postseason series due to an upper body injury.

The Lions said Kim, who led the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with 35 saves in the regular season, has been diagnosed with a mild tear in his right serratus anterior muscle. Commonly called the "boxer's muscle," it sits on the side and front of the rib cage and runs beneath the shoulder blade.

The Lions said Kim will need to rest for about two weeks, which will rule him out for their postseason series against the Kia Tigers starting Sunday.

If the best-of-five series goes the distance, the last game is scheduled for next Saturday.

Kim may not be available for the Korean Series even if the Lions eliminate the Tigers to advance. The championship round is scheduled to begin Nov. 2.

The Lions posted the second-lowest bullpen ERA in the regular season at 4.23.


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