“Because Lee Jung-hoo is out for the season with a left shoulder injury…”

Lee Jung-hoo (26, San Francisco Giants) has been out for two months after slamming his left shoulder into the center fence while fielding. The nightmare day was May 13 (Korean time) against the Cincinnati Reds. It has also been a month since he underwent surgery. He had labrum repair surgery by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on June 5 and started a six-month rehabilitation.

Since Lee’s absence, the Giants have felt the painful void of their leadoff hitter and center fielder. The lack of production from the leadoff position has significantly affected the team's lineup. The Giants’ efforts to make the postseason have been hampered by the struggles and injuries of key hitters Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler, and Lee Jung-hoo.

Despite these challenges, the Giants are 41-44, 6th in the National League Wild Card race, just three games behind the 3rd place St. Louis Cardinals. There is still hope. American media speculate that the Giants will be buyers at the trade deadline, focusing on bolstering their starting rotation and possibly adding a center fielder.

In the midst of despair, there is some light. Initially, right-handed outfielder Luis Matos shone in Lee's absence but eventually showed his limits and was sent back to the minors. However, another right-handed outfielder, Heliot Ramos (25), who took Matos' place, has been performing well.

Ramos, who was drafted 19th overall by the Giants in the 2017 first round, made his MLB debut in 2022. Unlike the recent trend of quick debuts, he spent quite a while in the minors. Ramos appeared in 9 games in 2022 and 25 games in 2023.

This year, he has played in 48 games, recording a .294 batting average with 10 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 22 runs scored in 187 at-bats, with an on-base percentage of .368, a slugging percentage of .508, and an OPS of .876. His performance has been solid, and he could potentially reach a .300 batting average. He also has shown power with 10 home runs. 먹튀검증

Bleacher Report highlighted one player from each team who made a significant leap in the 2024 season. For San Francisco, it is undoubtedly Ramos. Bleacher Report commented, “With Lee Jung-hoo out for the season with a left shoulder injury, his emergence feels crucial.”