Samsung slugger Kim Young-woong targets late June return after hamstring recovery

Samsung Lions third baseman Kim Young-woong is on track to return to the field by the end of June, aiming to fully recover from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since April. Manager Park Jin-man confirmed that Kim's recent MRI showed a complete recovery, stating, "He's 100% healed."

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He's 100% healed.

Kim, who was a key player for the Lions in the 2024 season with 28 home runs, initially injured his left hamstring on April 10. After a four-week recovery period, he re-injured the same hamstring during a minor league game on June 6, receiving a Grade 1 tear diagnosis.

Despite the setback, Kim has been diligently rehabilitating. Park noted that Kim will begin technical training and could rejoin the team sooner than expected if no issues arise. "He's completely healed," Park reiterated, adding that the team is targeting a late June return.

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He's completely healed.

However, regaining match fitness will be crucial. Park plans for Kim to play several minor league games to build stamina and rhythm after a two-month absence. "He needs to play full games now," Park instructed, emphasizing that Kim should be ready to play without substitution until the end of the first half of the season.

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He needs to play full games now.