Player in focus: Lee Seung-yuop (Samsung Lions)

Samsung Lions lefty slugger Lee Seung-yuop is a living legend in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), but fans will not be able to see him in action this week.

The Lions on Saturday dropped him from the team roster due to a hamstring injury. This is first time since Sept. 18, 2013, that Lee - the all-time home run leader in the KBO - has been off the roster.

According to the Lions, Lee received an X-ray Saturday morning, which showed his right hamstring torn about 4 centimeters (1.6 inches).

“It isn’t an abrupt injury,” said Lions officials. “His hamstring wasn’t good before, so it got worse.”

Lions manager Ryu Joong-il said he expects the five-time KBO home run champion to return to the diamond in two weeks.

Lee’s absence will be a big loss for the Lions. He was going .341 average with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs in 98 games.

Before getting sidelined, the five-time league MVP went 5-for-10 and got 10 RBIs in two games against the SK Wyverns in Pohang, North Gyeongsang.

To fill his void, the Lions will likely use Chae Tae-in as the team’s designated hitter. Chae is hitting .325 in 61 games.

BY JOO KYUNG-DON [joo.kyungdon@joongang.co.kr]