*This content was translated by AI.
The injury caused an unexpected setback, but the time to return is moving ahead of schedule. The time of Ahn Woo-jin (27, Kium Heroes) is approaching.
Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin met with reporters ahead of the visit to the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League against SSG Landers at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 1st and said, "We are doing all the live pitching right now," adding, "The (Futures) game will come out soon." So far, I'm doing well without any pain," he said.
Ahn Woo-jin is improving his condition by accompanying the first team. Coach Seol said, "It's early April, and I think the date for the Futures appearance will be set within this week."
Ahn Woo-jin, who was considered the best pitcher in the KBO League, fulfilled his military service obligations as a social service worker and was preparing to return this season.
He was held back by an unexpected injury. Ahn Woo-jin, who participated in the second-tier training, was fatally injured during additional training for the losing team and was put on the operating table.
Initially, Ahn Woo-jin mentioned June or July as the time to return, but fortunately, the period will be significantly accelerated.
Ahn Woo-jin, who recently met with reporters, said, "I thought about June as a starting pitcher on the same basis as an average of more than five innings and 100 pitches," adding, "It is possible to go to a practice game after one inning. I can't wait to come and help," he said.
There is no pain at all. Ahn Woo-jin said, "There is only a little fatigue after pitching, and there is no pain at all in the surgical site or pitching. I don't have any worries anymore, he said. "I woke up in the morning and checked, but I think I've improved a lot as it fits my rhythm, so I don't have much worries."
The return clock is ticking faster than scheduled. Ahn Woo-jin said he has not checked his arrest yet, but added, "The best thing I feel is that it is proceeding normally without interruption. In that respect, I'm very grateful for the trainer's part, and I think I worked hard."
Ahn Woo-jin says he has to watch it on TV because he is not registered in the entry, but he cannot take his eyes off the game because his juniors frequently ask questions. Now he has a bigger sense of responsibility. "Now that I'm a middle-aged man, I think I'm changing that the team comes first and the team wins is the most important thing," he said. "I also talked to (Kim) Jae-woong, but the team wins first rather than individual performance, and I hope the juniors will do well now." If you ask something, what you don't know exactly is 'I'll think about it again and tell you.' I can't say anything meaningless. I think those parts are changing," he said.
He is carefully developing a bigger dream. Ahn Woo-jin, who cheered for the players while watching the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), said, "I don't think I'm the only one who wants to play against such players. I can't judge the players who went to the finals and fought hard," he said, but about his big league dream, "For now, I can expect anything only if I throw well without getting sick. I think the priority is to return quickly and help the team," he said.
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*This content was translated by AI.
