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Dinos ace Thompson out for at least 6 weeks with oblique injury

Published: 26 Mar. 2026, 13:46

Riley Thompson, pitcher for the NC Dinos, throws a ball during a game against Hanwha Eagles at Changwon NC Park on May 30. [YONHAP]

The NC Dinos announced Wednesday that their top starting pitcher, Riley Thompson, will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a left oblique injury, a devastating blow that came just three days before the start of the new season.

The KBO club said Thompson was diagnosed with a torn oblique on his left side earlier in the day. He had been lifted during Saturday's preseason game against the KT Wiz when he complained of some discomfort in the area.

The Dinos said they will look to sign a short-term replacement player for Thompson, who is in his second season in the KBO. Teams are allowed to acquire foreign players on six-week deals to fill in for injured incumbents.

The right-hander tied for the league lead last year with 17 wins and ranked third with 216 strikeouts.

NC Dinos starter Riley Thompson prepares to deliver a pitch against the Kiwoom Heroes during a KBO preseason game at Masan Baseball Stadium in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, on March 15. [YONHAP]

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