Choi hits injury rock bottom ahead of FA, but avoids worst with ‘bruise’ not ‘fracture’
The San Diego Padres’ Choi Ji-Man, 32, is facing another injury setback as he prepares to return to the big leagues. However, it does not appear to be a major injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time.
Choi’s Korean management company told Yonhap News Agency on July 7, “He suffered a bruise, not a fracture. He will receive medical treatment, but if no other problems are found, he will play rehabilitation games again.”
Choi was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Pittsburgh Pirates after the end of last season to start a new challenge. However, he was sidelined for an extended period of time with an Achilles tendon injury after the start of the season and did not return until early July.
On August 1, Choi changed teams again. Along with Rich Hill, he was traded to San Diego, where Kim Ha-seong, 28, plays. Fans were hoping for a synergy between Choi and Kim, who is now recognized as the best second baseman in the big leagues.
However, Choi was diagnosed with a left rib sprain on March 15 and was placed on the injured list (IL). After more than three weeks of rehabilitation, he appeared in a minor league Triple-A game at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas, on June 6.
The game went well. Choi went 2-for-3 with a double against the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, raising hopes for a big league call-up.
However, Choi reportedly suffered a minor injury during the game when he was hit in the foot by a pitch. He underwent a medical examination, but is not expected to require a lengthy recovery.
Local media in the U.S. reported Choi’s condition as a “fractured ankle,” but according to his management’s explanation, it was a “bruised instep,” and he is expected to return to the big leagues in September.
Choi has been unable to register a hit since joining the team, going hitless in 11 at-bats since donning the San Diego uniform. His season numbers have also been disappointing, as he is batting .179 (15-for-84) with six home runs and 11 RBIs.
Choi made his big league debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016, then moved on to the New York Yankees in 2017 and Milwaukee in 2018 before landing in Tampa Bay, where he is batting .239 with 350 hits, 61 home runs and 225 RBIs in 486 big league games through last season.메이저놀이터
He is eligible for free agency after this season, making his individual performance more important than ever, but he has struggled with a combination of injuries and inconsistency since being traded.
San Diego currently sits in fourth place in the National League West with a 66-75 record and a .468 winning percentage. After failing to make the postseason, a major overhaul is expected in Stovrig this winter.