Doosan Bears Sidelined: Chris Flexen Out With Shoulder Injury

The Doosan Bears are facing an early-season crisis in the 2026 KBO League season. The club confirmed that starting pitcher Chris Flexen will be sidelined after a precision medical examination revealed a significant shoulder injury, leaving a critical void in the team’s rotation.

The injury occurred during a home game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on April 3 against the Hanwha Eagles. Flexen, who had recently returned to the Bears after several seasons in Major League Baseball, was forced to exit the game in the second inning. With one out and a runner on first base, Flexen signaled to the dugout after experiencing sudden pain. After throwing the ball to Yang Jae-hoon, he was immediately replaced by the coaching staff.

Following a detailed examination on April 4, the team diagnosed Flexen with a partial injury to the right subscapularis muscle. The medical prognosis indicates a recovery period of at least four weeks, after which he will undergo a follow-up evaluation to determine his readiness to return to the mound.

Manager Kim Won-hyung Addresses the Rotation Gap

Speaking before a scheduled game against the Hanwha Eagles on April 5, Doosan Bears manager Kim Won-hyung (54) expressed the severity of the situation. Kim noted that while the team is still awaiting final test results, they must prepare for a prolonged absence.

“He cannot pitch for more than a month,” Kim stated. “It seems it will take a long time.” The manager elaborated on the nature of the injury, explaining that while pain in other areas of the arm can sometimes be managed or worked through, pain in the posterior shoulder is far more difficult for a pitcher to endure.

The loss of Flexen is a significant blow to the Bears’ tactical planning. As the process of scouting, signing, and integrating a new foreign pitcher into the KBO takes considerable time, the team is now searching for a temporary foreign replacement to cover a projected six-week vacancy.

Interim Solution: The Return of Lee Young-ha

To fill the immediate void in the starting rotation, Doosan will turn to Lee Young-ha. Lee is a familiar face to Bears fans, having previously dominated as a starter in 2018 and 2019, where he recorded double-digit wins and finished second in the league for most wins in 2019.

In recent seasons, Lee has primarily served as a relief pitcher. Yet, the current emergency provides an opportunity for Lee to transition from the Futures team (KBO’s second-tier league) back into a primary starting role. For global readers, the Futures team serves as the developmental league where players maintain form or recover from injury before returning to the top-flight KBO action.

The Journey of a ‘Reverse Export’ Star

Chris Flexen’s relationship with the Doosan Bears is one of the more unique trajectories in recent professional baseball. Originally selected by the New York Mets in the 14th round (440th overall) of the 2012 MLB Draft, Flexen struggled to find consistency in the United States early in his career.

His career saw a dramatic revival when he first joined the Doosan Bears in 2020. In 21 games that season, he posted a dominant 8-4 record with a 3.01 ERA, helping the team secure a runner-up finish. This success served as a springboard back to the Major Leagues, earning him the title of a “reverse export myth” when he joined the Seattle Mariners in 2021.

In Seattle, Flexen reached a career peak, posting 14 wins and 6 losses with a 3.61 ERA. However, subsequent years saw a decline in performance as he moved through several MLB organizations, including the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs. His return to Doosan prior to the 2026 season was viewed as a homecoming and a chance to recapture his 2020 form.

Flexen’s 2026 comeback started on March 28 in the opening game against the Changwon NC Dinos. While he showed flashes of capability, he struggled with command, allowing six walks and three runs (two earned) over four innings. The subsequent shoulder injury on April 3 has now put those comeback aspirations on hold.

Key Takeaways: Flexen’s Injury Status

• Diagnosis: Partial injury to the right subscapularis muscle.
• Timeline: Minimum 4-week recovery before re-examination.
• Immediate Impact: Doosan Bears are seeking a temporary 6-week foreign replacement.
• Internal Shift: Lee Young-ha will move from the bullpen/Futures team back to the starting rotation.
• Context: Flexen had previously excelled with Doosan in 2020 (3.01 ERA) before a successful stint with the Seattle Mariners.

The Doosan Bears now face the challenge of stabilizing their pitching staff while navigating the KBO’s regulations regarding foreign player replacements. The team’s ability to maintain its standing in the early weeks of the season will depend heavily on Lee Young-ha’s ability to recapture his 2019 form and the efficiency of the front office in securing a short-term replacement.

The next critical checkpoint for the organization will be Flexen’s medical re-evaluation in early May. Until then, the Bears will rely on their domestic depth to weather the storm.

Do you think the Doosan Bears can maintain their momentum with a temporary replacement, or is Flexen too vital to the rotation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.