Right-handed pitcher Choi Won-tae (27) of the LG Twins will join the starting rotation in the second half of the season.
“Won-tae Choi is recovering smoothly,” LG manager Yoon Kyung-yup said before the Twins’ home game against the Samsung Lions of the 2024 KBO on July 25 at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. “We tried to give him enough rest, but his body condition improved quickly, so we plan to use him as a starter in the fourth game of the second half (July 12 against the Hanwha Eagles).”
Choi Won-tae was diagnosed with a right vastus lateralis muscle injury on July 12.
Initially, Choi was scheduled to begin training later this month or early next month and then pitch out of the bullpen and take part in second-team training, but his rapid recovery has accelerated his return.
Choi’s arrival is expected to be a boost for LG.
The front-runner has been struggling since late last month after losing key players to injuries.
Homegrown ace Lim Chan-kyu returned to the lineup on Nov. 23 after being out for more than a month with a back injury.
Key bullpen arm Park Myung-geun has been sidelined with a back muscle injury, while center fielder Oh Ji-hwan has a sprained right wrist and key infielder Moon Sung-joo is out of the lineup with a muscle injury in the back of his thigh.
Injury ward LG has slipped to third place after going 4-6 in its last 10 games amid a power struggle.
They are half a game behind the fourth-place Doosan Bears, with room to fall.
“I think we have to hold on until the last game of the first half,” said manager Yeom Kyung-yup, “and once Moon Sung-ju is able to move his body, we plan to utilize a substitute.”
However, “Oh Ji-hwan has to play shortstop defense, so he needs to rest until he is in perfect shape,” he said, adding, “We’ll wait and see.” 먹튀검증