Choi Ji-Man (32, San Diego), who was close to making a comeback, went down again.
“San Diego manager Bob Melvin said, ‘Choi injured his foot during a rehabilitation game,’스포츠토토” San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Annie Heilbrunn reported on social media on July 7 (KST).
Choi played the previous day against the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) Triple-A Round Rock Express (affiliated with the Texas Rangers) at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas, USA. It was his first action since being placed on the disabled list (IL) on May 15 after being diagnosed with a left rib strain.
Choi started as the No. 3 designated hitter for the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego) and went 2-for-3 at the plate. However, he was hit in the foot by a pitch during the game and went down.
Initially, Choi was diagnosed with a fracture, which raised concerns. However, it was later confirmed that it was a simple bruise. “It’s a bruise, not a fracture, and if no other problems are found, he will play rehabilitation games again,” said Choi’s Korean management company.
Choi, who was traded from Tampa Bay to Pittsburgh ahead of the season, was placed on the IL on April 16 with an Achilles injury. He returned to the big leagues on July 8, and then was acquired via trade on August 2.
In San Diego, Choi has yet to record a hit, going hitless in 11 at-bats, and has been sidelined with a broken rib and now a foot injury.
Choi’s big league numbers this season are 1-for-15 (84 at-bats) with six home runs and 11 RBIs. It remains to be seen if he can shake off the bruises and return to the big leagues anytime soon.