KBO Saves Leader Kim Jae-yoon Ruled Out as Samsung Enters Playoffs
Samsung Lions closer Kim Jae-yoon is out of the KBO playoffs after a Grade 1 injury. The 35-save leader will miss the series against KIA.
World Baseball News Editorial Team , 2 min read 
The Samsung Lions will enter the KBO playoffs without the league’s 2026 saves leader. Closer Kim Jae-yoon was left off Samsung’s postseason roster on Saturday, October 24, after an injury to his right serratus anterior muscle, a major setback before the best-of-five series against the KIA Tigers.
Samsung announced that an MRI revealed Grade 1 damage to the muscle and surrounding fascia, including bleeding along the fascia. The club expects Kim to need approximately two weeks of rest. He experienced discomfort while preparing to pitch in an intrasquad game on October 22.
Samsung loses its 35-save closer
Kim, 36, led the KBO League with 35 saves in 2026, earning the first saves title of his career. Across 64 appearances and 64⅓ innings, the right-hander went 7-5 with a 3.22 ERA. His absence removes the reliever Samsung relied on most to finish close games.
Manager Park Jin-man said he would not immediately appoint a single replacement closer. Instead, Samsung plans to use its best available relievers according to the situation, an approach that could make the late innings particularly demanding against a KIA lineup coming off a three-game sweep of the LG Twins.
The injury is also a difficult blow for Kim personally. After working his way back into a prominent bullpen role this season, he had helped Samsung secure a direct berth in the playoff round with its second-place regular-season finish.
More roster decisions before Game 1
Samsung’s October 24 playoff roster also excludes left-handed pitchers Lee Seung-hyun and Baek Jung-hyun, who have been dealing with physical problems. Outfielder Koo Ja-wook, however, was included as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury. His role could be limited to designated-hitter or pinch-hitting duties rather than regular outfield defense.
The Lions host KIA at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on Sunday, October 25. Chris Paddack, who finished the regular season 7-3 with a 2.95 ERA, is scheduled to start for Samsung against James Naile, who went 13-7 with a 3.49 ERA for KIA.
Samsung’s rotation can still give it a strong start to the series. The larger question is what happens if the Lions carry a narrow lead into the ninth inning: the man who converted 35 saves during the regular season will not be available to protect it.
