Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants will miss the entire 2024 season due to a dislocated left shoulder sustained on Sunday. The team announced that Lee will require season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum.

The injury occurred while Lee, 25, was trying to catch a fly ball from Jeimer Candelario of the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning, crashing into the center field fence. On Monday, Lee was placed on the 10-day injured list, but his absence will be felt deeply. Having signed a six-year, $113 million contract in December, Lee was a key offseason acquisition for the Giants. In his 37 games with the team, he had been hitting .262 with a .641 OPS and two home runs, while also showcasing his defensive skills in center field.

With Lee out for the season, the Giants are expected to give Luis Matos a chance to fill the center field position. The team is optimistic that Matos, 22, can develop into a strong defender. Additionally, San Francisco has activated Jorge Soler, who was rehabbing from a sprained right shoulder. Soler, who was on the injured list since May 8, experienced a scare on Tuesday when a foul ball struck him in the head during batting practice. Despite this, Soler is set to lead off in Friday night's home game against the Colorado Rockies. After a strong 2023 season with the Miami Marlins, Soler has struggled with a .202 average, five home runs, and eight RBIs in 34 games with the Giants.

Lee expressed his dedication to giving his all on every play but indicated he might approach defensive plays with more caution in the future. While uncertain whether he will continue his rehabilitation in San Francisco or elsewhere, Lee is already looking forward to returning to the Giants.