Yomiuri Giants slugger Lee Seung Yeop is scheduled to undergo surgery on his left hand on Thursday, meaning the South Korean will be sidelined for his country in the upcoming Beijing Olympic qualifiers.
Yomiuri officials said first baseman Lee, who was a key member of South Korea's team for the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, will be hospitalized Wednesday before undergoing the operation to rebuild ligaments in his left hand.
"I decided to have the operation now because I want to rehab my injury in time for spring training," Lee said in a comment.
"I pledge to the Korean people to do my utmost for my country's honor if I am selected to represent South Korea in the Olympics next year."