Doosan's Kim Taek-yeon and LG's Yoo Young-chan Out with Injuries, Leaving Bullpens Vulnerable

The KBO league is facing a significant blow as two of its premier closers, Kim Taek-yeon of the Doosan Bears and Yoo Young-chan of the LG Twins, have simultaneously been sidelined by injuries. This simultaneous departure of key relief pitchers from two prominent Seoul-based teams casts a shadow over the ongoing 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League season, particularly impacting the crucial late-game situations for both clubs.

The Doosan Bears announced on April 25th that Kim Taek-yeon would be removed from the first-team roster. The right-handed pitcher reported discomfort in his right shoulder during bullpen pitching the previous day, leading to a diagnosis of a supraspinatus strain after a medical examination. The team plans to monitor his condition daily and conduct a re-examination in two to three weeks, indicating a potentially lengthy absence.

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We plan to check Kim Taek-yeon's condition every day and conduct a re-examination in two to three weeks.

Adding to the league's woes, the LG Twins also placed their closer, Yoo Young-chan, on the injured list on the same day. Yoo, who had been leading the league in saves with 10 saves achieved at a rapid pace this season, experienced elbow pain immediately after recording a strikeout in the ninth inning of a game against the Doosan Bears on April 24th. He was replaced on the mound, and while he underwent an initial medical check-up, the exact diagnosis is pending further, more detailed examinations scheduled for April 27th. The simultaneous absence of these two formidable closers leaves a void in the league's most critical moments, raising concerns for fans and team strategists alike.

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LG and Yoo Young-chan will undergo additional detailed examinations on the 27th to accurately diagnose the condition.