The first team in 955 days! Ahn Woo-jin will throw only one inning against Lotte on the 12th

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes Ahn Woo-jin (27) is ready to return to the mound.

Ahn Woo-jin pitched the bullpen at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul, where the game against the Doosan Bears was held on the 7th. In the presence of pitcher coach Noh Byung-oh (43), he checked his condition by throwing 24 pitches.

Kiwoom coach Seol Jong-jin (53) told reporters before the game that "Ahn Woo-jin will start in the Futures League game on the 9th and throw one inning, and also pitch one inning as a starter in the Gocheok home game against Lotte on the 12th." As he has suffered two injuries, it is interpreted that he will leave only one inning each to give him enough time to adapt without rushing.

It is said that there is nothing wrong with the condition of the body. Coach Seol said, "I also watched live pitching and looked in great condition. First of all, the most encouraging thing is that there is no pain," he said, adding, "There is no saying that he is sick because he works hard on treatment. The hospital said there was no problem, so I came normally as scheduled.

Ahn Woo-jin, who joined Nexen (currently Kiwoom) as the first designated player in 2018, won 15 wins and 8 losses in 2022 with an ERA (2.11) and two strikeouts (224). He also won the Golden Glove in the pitching category that year, establishing himself as a starting pitcher representing the league.

However, after undergoing elbow surgery and social service service in September 2023, he suffered a shoulder injury ahead of his call-up in August last year and had to take a two-season hiatus. Initially, it was expected to return from June to July this year, but it will be able to see him in the first team faster than expected.

It is the first team appearance in 955 days since the match against SSG on August 31, 2023. After pitching in the bullpen, Ahn Woo-jin said, "The recent (pitching) intensity was live pitching, but the ball speed came out well," adding, "Thanks to your meticulous check in the training part, I have come without 'stop' so far." We are preparing well without any awkwardness," he said.

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*This content was translated by AI.