Lions lose saves leader Kim Jae-yoon to injury for postseason series

Samsung Lions closer Kim Jae-yoon will miss the postseason series against the Kia Tigers because of a mild muscle tear near his right rib cage, The Korea Times reported. The KBO saves leader needs about two weeks of rest.

The injury leaves Samsung without the closer who recorded a league-leading 35 saves during the regular season. Kim could also miss the Korean Series if the Lions advance, according to The Korea Times.

The Lions announced Kim's injury Saturday, according to The Korea Times. The diagnosis was a mild tear in his right serratus anterior muscle.

That muscle extends along the front and side of the rib cage and beneath the shoulder blade. Kim needs about two weeks of rest, the report said.

Samsung opens its best-of-five series against Kia on Sunday. A deciding fifth game, if needed, is scheduled for Oct. 31.

The Lions finished the regular season with a bullpen ERA of 4.23, the second-lowest in the league. Kim's absence removes the league's saves leader from that relief staff for the series.

The Korean Series is scheduled to open Nov. 2, leaving Kim's availability in question beyond the matchup with Kia if Samsung advances.