Bad news has struck the NC Dinos bullpen in professional baseball.

The NC club announced today (August 15) that Lim Ji-min is scheduled to undergo surgery early next week for a comminuted fracture of his lower jaw facial bone.

Lim collapsed yesterday during an away game against the Lotte Giants after being hit in the face by a batted ball off the bat of Victor Reyes in the 9th inning.

Rushed to the hospital for examinations, Lim was diagnosed with a comminuted fracture of the lower jaw facial bone and a laceration inside his mouth, the latter of which was treated with sutures.

His specific return timeline can only be determined after the surgery is completed.

A right-handed power pitcher, Lim has anchored the middle relief and closing duties for NC this year, posting 4 wins, 5 losses, 9 holds, and 6 saves.

(Photo provided by Lotte Giants, Yonhap News)