There is still no timetable for the return of Lotte’s foreign-born slugger Nico Goodrum, who has been sidelined with an injury.

Acting Lotte manager Lee Jong-woon said on Thursday, “I think Goodrum will have to go to Busan to see.”

Goodrum recently underwent a medical examination for thigh muscle pain. He is currently resting.

Acting coach Lee Jong-woon had a private meeting with Goodrum before the Gwangju game. “He said he didn’t want to overdo it. I only told him to prepare well for it,” Lee said.

“There was nothing unusual in the medical examination. However, the team couldn’t force him to play because he complained of pain.

Lee said, “They said he’ll get better after a week of rest. But we can’t just look at the player. We are not in a position to force a player who is not feeling well to play.”

For the time being, Lotte will have to play without an outside hitter. “I think another player will step up to the plate,” Lee said.

Goodrum, who came into the Lotte organization as a replacement for former outfielder Jack Rex, is batting .263 with 20 RBIs in 36 games. Before Rex was replaced, Goodrum was batting .246 with four home runs in 55 games, but his numbers are not much better.안전놀이터

For Lotte, whose hopes for a top-five finish are still alive and well, the foreign bats have become a new problem.

Meanwhile, Lotte had a day off after their game against KIA at Gwangju Stadium was canceled due to rain.