The San Francisco Giants’ outfielder Lee Jung-hoo returned house Tuesday following a rookie season minimize quick by a shoulder damage in Could.
Lee signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants in December however solely performed in 37 video games in 2024, after struggling a left shoulder damage on Could 12. He crashed into the outfield wall at Oracle Park in San Francisco whereas making an attempt to make a leaping catch in a recreation towards the Cincinnati Reds. He was initially recognized with a left shoulder dislocation however later underwent surgical procedure to restore a torn labrum.
Lee, the 2022 MVP within the Korea Baseball Group for the Kiwoom Heroes, batted .262/.310/.331 with two house runs, eight RBIs and two steals for the Giants, whereas making some highlight-reel performs in middle area. On the time of his damage, he ranked second on the Giants with 38 hits and loved an 11-game hitting streak in April.
After touchdown at Incheon Worldwide Airport, simply west of Seoul, Lee mentioned he had accomplished his rehab program and he needs to be good to go in spring coaching if he sticks to the offseason program ready for him by the Giants.
Lee additionally mentioned he hoped he won’t ever be injured once more the remainder of his profession.
“Irrespective of how proficient you might be as a participant, it does not imply something if you cannot get into video games,” Lee instructed a big throng of reporters. “Good gamers are those who play in plenty of video games. That is how they put up huge numbers.”
Lee, a celebrity within the KBO for seven seasons, mentioned he has lengthy methods to go in Main League Baseball.
“Wanting again, I saved pondering, ‘Perhaps I ought to’ve tried more durable. And I acquired harm simply as I had began getting used to main league pitching,” Lee mentioned. “I did not play sufficient video games to even say what I’ve completed this 12 months. I will have to return to the drafting board for subsequent season.”
Lee, 26, had additionally missed about half of his remaining season within the KBO in 2023, and he mentioned his main aim for 2025 is to remain wholesome.
“I have never performed a full season for 2 years. I’m fairly nervous that I have been lacking video games at a degree in my profession the place I needs to be enhancing,” Lee mentioned. “Whether or not I play nicely or not, I need to play in much more video games. I’ll handle that first and take into consideration the remaining later.”
Lee mentioned he used the time throughout his rehab to develop up mentally.
“Throughout my rehab, I spotted I’ve to be higher suited mentally for the large league,” Lee mentioned. “I used to be in a position to mature in that respect. I additionally realized the significance of taking part in in as many video games as doable.”
After one fateful play on the fence ended his season, Lee mentioned he must begin paying nearer consideration to how he performs balls close to the wall.
“I should see how shut I’m to the fence on performs like that,” Lee mentioned. “However my physique will react to these balls the best way it has, and so I will must see how I can deal with these performs.”
Whereas Lee was flying house, the Giants made a big change within the entrance workplace, firing their longtime president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, and changing him with franchise icon Buster Posey, former MVP-winning catcher with three World Collection rings.
“I haven’t got a lot to say concerning the change within the entrance workplace,” Lee mentioned. “I spoke fairly a bit with our new president through the season. He has all the time been shut with the gamers. My season is over and I simply must do what I’m alleged to do subsequent season.”
