San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee’s rookie season has come to an abrupt end after just a month and a half. The 25-year-old will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shoulder following an injury sustained while attempting a jumping catch in a game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The incident occurred when Lee missed a double from Reds infielder Jeimer Candelario, causing his arm to come down hard on the padded top of the Oracle Park wall. Initially placed on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder dislocation, further tests revealed structural damage, leading to the decision for surgery.
Lee, who signed a lucrative six-year, $113 million contract last offseason, had been performing well for the Giants, hitting .262/.310/.331 in 37 games as the team’s leadoff hitter and center fielder. His signing was part of a major talent infusion for the Giants, who also brought in Jorge Soler, Matt Chapman, and Blake Snell in an effort to improve on their 79-83 record from the previous season.
However, the Giants have faced setbacks with Soler hitting .202/.294/.361 before landing on the IL, Chapman struggling at the plate, and Snell posting a disastrous 11.57 ERA in three starts. With key players like Michael Conforto and Patrick Bailey also dealing with injuries, the Giants find themselves in fourth place in the NL West with a 20-25 record, 8.5 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.
Lee’s surgery is just the latest setback for the Giants this season, adding to the challenges they face in their quest for success.