Changwon: The NC Dinos announced on Wednesday that their leading starting pitcher, Riley Thompson, will be out of action for a minimum of six weeks following a left oblique injury. This setback comes just three days before the commencement of the new season. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) team confirmed that Thompson was diagnosed with a torn oblique on his left side earlier in the day. The injury was identified after he was removed from a preseason game against the KT Wiz on Saturday, during which he experienced discomfort in the affected area. The Dinos are considering signing a short-term replacement for Thompson, who is entering his second season in the KBO. The league permits teams to sign foreign players on six-week contracts to temporarily replace injured players. Thompson, a right-handed pitcher, had an impressive performance last year, tying for the league lead with 17 wins and ranking third with 216 strikeouts.