Samsung Lions batting champion resumes training ahead of KBO playoffs

The Samsung Lions said their All-Star outfielder Koo Ja-wook resumed training Thursday after making progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

According to the KBO club, the latest test showed that internal bleeding and swelling in Koo’s left hamstring had mostly eased, allowing the team captain to start hitting off the tee Thursday.

Koo is also able to get on a stationary bike and do light running, the Lions added. However, the Lions said Koo will not be rushed into high-intensity baserunning or fielding drills just yet.

Koo won his first career batting title with a career-high average of 0.371. But the 33-year-old has not played since Sept. 30, when he injured his left hamstring while running the bases.

Koo’s availability for the postseason had initially been questioned, but he is expected to be ready to at least serve as designated hitter when the Lions begin their postseason in the best-of-five second round of the playoffs on Oct. 25.

The Lions earned a bye to that stage by finishing in second place in the regular season. They will meet the winner of the first round of the playoffs between the Kia Tigers and the LG Twins. That series, also best of five, starts Saturday.

Yonhap