The Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Friday that newly signed pitcher Matt Manning will undergo elbow surgery, effectively ending his season before it began. The team is immediately seeking a replacement.
Manning, 28, was a highly touted prospect during his time with the Detroit Tigers, selected ninth overall in the 2016 MLB draft. While he struggled to establish himself in the majors, the Lions saw potential in the right-hander and engaged in competition with Japanese Professional Baseball (NPB) teams to secure his contract, according to reports from the Maeil Business Newspaper.
Initial reports from the team’s training camp in Guam indicated Manning was progressing well, reaching speeds of 149 km/h (92.6 mph) with 80% effort in early February. Manning himself expressed satisfaction with his condition, stating, “I’m satisfied. My body feels extremely good,” as reported by Maeil Business Newspaper.
However, concerns arose during a practice game on February 24th against the Hanwha Eagles in Okinawa, Japan. Manning allowed four runs in ⅔ of an inning, with a maximum velocity of 148 km/h (91.9 mph). He subsequently reported elbow pain, prompting his return to Korea for medical evaluation. Both Manning and Lions General Manager Lee Jong-yeol traveled back to Korea on February 26th, according to Maeil Business Newspaper.
The diagnosis, confirmed Friday, necessitates surgery. A Samsung Lions official stated that initial medical tests had not revealed any issues, adding to the team’s surprise. The loss of Manning represents a significant blow to the Lions’ pitching rotation, particularly with other key pitchers facing uncertainties.
Starting pitchers Won Tae-in is currently sidelined with a right forearm flexor strain, and Ariel Jurado is with the Panama national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The availability and condition of both pitchers at the start of the KBO season remain uncertain.
The Lions are now focused on identifying a suitable replacement. General Manager Lee Jong-yeol is currently evaluating available foreign pitcher options, according to reports. The team will also look to develop internal options, with left-handers Lee Seung-hyun, Lee Seung-min, and Yang Chang-seop expected to compete for increased opportunities. Right-hander Jang Chan-hee, who threw 43 pitches in a recent game with the Korean WBC team, is also being considered as a potential long-term starter.
Some within the organization view the timing of the injury as fortunate, as it occurred before the start of the regular season. This allows the team time to integrate a replacement and build up their arm strength, a situation similar to the successful mid-season acquisition of Dennys Reyes in the previous season, who helped lead the Lions to the postseason, as noted by Maeil Business Newspaper.
