It’s already been over a month since the 2025 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season started.
Since Opening Day on March 22, the league has had its fair share of excellent pitching performances, walk-off hits, and, unfortunately, injuries.
Catch up with the latest news from the top professional baseball league in South Korea.
Yasiel Puig Sidelined With Injury for Heroes
Last Thursday, the Kiwoom Heroes announced that outfielder Yasiel Puig suffered a left rotator cuff injury in the 9-3 loss to the Doosan Bears.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star injured himself sliding back into first base on a pickoff. The Heroes did not announce how much time Puig needs away from the field to recover the strength in his rotator cuff. Still, Yoo Jee-ho of Yonhap News Agency reported Puig is seeking a second opinion after initial testing revealed structural damage.
Puig, 34, is in his second non-consecutive season with the Heroes, as he played 126 games for the club in 2022. In 2025, he’s slashing .217/.291/.349 with four home runs and a .640 OPS.
Melbourne Aces to Play in KBO Fall League
On Sunday, the Australian Baseball League’s (ABL) Melbourne Aces withdrew from the league “to explore fresh opportunities on the international stage.”
In October 2025, the Aces will compete in the Ulsan KBO Fall League against professional baseball organizations from South Korea. According to the Aces’ website, the club will also hold games at Melbourne Ballpark next January and February against KBO competition.
Often, teams from the KBO send players to the ABL to gain more reps and have the opportunity to play every day against top competition. This past winter, NC Dinos pitcher Shin Yeong-woo made seven appearances for the ABL’s Perth Heat. Shin is just one example of dozens of KBO players who make the trip yearly, meaning the Aces may be more familiar with the baseball style of play in South Korea than many think.
Diaz Leads Comeback Victory for Lions With Three Dingers
On Friday, slugger Lewin Diaz of the Samsung Lions hit three home runs in a 10-6 victory against the NC Dinos.
Diaz, who hit 13 Major League Baseball home runs with the Miami Marlins from 2020 to 22, finished the day with seven RBIs. He hit a two-run home run in the third inning, a two-run home run in the fourth, and a three-run home run in the eighth. Diaz helped spark a comeback with his first two-run shot after the Lions quickly trailed the Dinos 4-0 in the second inning.
“I feel really good about hitting three home runs in one game,” Diaz told reporters after Friday’s game, per Chosun Biz EN. “I think this is the best game of my career. I think I’ve had a game with three home runs when I played in Triple-A in the U.S., but today’s game feels more special.”
KBO Standings as of Wednesday, April 30
Where to Watch – Fans can stream the 2025 KBO season on the SOOP service. The KBO’s official YouTube page also posts game highlights and clips of other events, like the All-Star Game and Golden Glove awards.
AP Photo
