National Team Coach Ryu Reveals Prior Knowledge of Edman‘s Injury, Shifts Focus to Versatile Song Seong-Moon
TOKYO, JAPAN – November 12, 2023 – Korean national baseball team manager Ryu Ji-hyun disclosed today that he was aware of Tommy edman’s ankle surgery since September, a revelation that comes after recent reports surfaced regarding the infielder’s condition. The disclosure coincided wiht increased training for utility player Song Seong-moon at second base, signaling a potential shift in the team’s roster strategy ahead of upcoming competitions.
Ryu revealed he learned of Edman’s surgery during a meeting with the player in the United States prior to departing for Japan. “I knew about Edman’s ankle surgery last September,” Ryu stated in an interview. “I’m only telling you now after the reports came out. At that time, when I went to the United States to meet Korean players, I also met Edman, and he told me about the surgery.”
according to Ryu, Edman was already experiencing critically important discomfort at the time.”At that time, Edman’s ankle was in a very bad condition. He said he had to endure it and go to the postseason and didn’t want the media to no about it. He didn’t perform as well as he had hoped in the last competition, so he wanted to play this time. But he was also very sad because he wasn’t in good shape. He said he would definitely participate if there was a chance next time.”
The revelation regarding Edman’s injury explains the recent focus on Song Seong-moon’s versatility. The Kiwoom Heroes third baseman has been receiving dedicated training at second base during national team practice, which began on November 2nd. Song Seong-moon enjoyed a stellar 2023 season, posting a .315 batting average (181 hits in 574 at-bats), 26 home runs, 90 RBIs, 103 runs, 25 stolen bases, a .387 on-base percentage, a.530 slugging percentage, and a .917 OPS.
While the national team boasts several strong candidates at third base – including noh Si-hwan (Hanwha Eagles) with 32 home runs and 101 RBIs, Moon Bo-kyung (LG Twins) with 24 home runs, Kim Young-woong (Samsung Lions) with 22 home runs, and Han Dong-hee (Armed Forces Athletic Corps) with 27 home runs and 115 RBIs – Song seong-moon’s defensive capabilities at second base and offensive potential make him a valuable asset.
Currently, Shin Min-jae (LG Twins) is the only confirmed professional second baseman on the roster. With Edman and Kim Hye-seong (LA Dodgers) facing uncertain participation, Song Seong-moon has emerged as a crucial option to bolster the team’s offensive lineup.
ryu also addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the participation of other Korean major leaguers, stating, “I wish (major league players’ joining the national team) would be decided quickly, but the situation is not favorable. There are several candidates, but it is not yet time to make a decision. I think it will be announced to some extent in January. We are preparing and will move according to the procedures.”
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