The baseball player Kim Do-yeong has been diagnosed with a fractured fibula, adding uncertainty to the composition of Korea's Asian Games squad.

Another infielder, Moon Bo-gyeong, has also reported lower-back muscle pain, adding to the strain on infield depth.

The designated-hitter option and its consequences

Using Kim as designated hitter is under discussion, but that would leave the national side without a first baseman. Filling one place empties another.

Recovery from a fracture usually runs to several weeks, with a further period needed to regain match sharpness. The gap to the tournament is the reference point.

Between protecting players and results

Call-ups for international tournaments also collide with clubs' remaining league schedules, and the balance between protecting players and competing for results is argued over each time.

Until the final squad is announced, medical assessments and the pace of recovery will be the main basis for the decision.