"Ahn Woo-jin, Korea's best pitcher → We need to see how good he is." Kim Tae-hyung is also curious

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung (58) expressed expectations for the return of "Monster Ace" Ahn Woo-jin (Kiwoom Heroes) as a starter, but also expressed caution from the standpoint of dealing with him.

Head coach Kim Tae-hyung met with reporters ahead of the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League" Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 12th and mentioned Ahn Woo-jin as the opponent's starter. Ahn Woo-jin will take the mound as the first team starter in about two years after elbow surgery and long rehabilitation. According to Kiwoom coach Seol Jong-jin, it is about 80% to 90% of his good physical condition, and the maximum speed is taken up to 157 kilometers.

Manager Kim first gave a thumbs-up to opposing starting pitcher Ahn Woo-jin's skills. "I don't pay much attention (from our team's point of view), but from the point of view of the batters going into the batter's box, I will recognize that it is Ahn Woo-jin and go into the batter's box," he said after praising him as "actually the best pitcher in Korea."

As he returned after a long hiatus, he did not hide his curiosity about Ahn Woo-jin's current condition. Ahn Woo-jin recently showed off his robustness by throwing fastballs up to 157 kilometers in bullpen pitching. Coach Kim Tae-hyung said, "I'll have to see how good it is."

Nevertheless, he expressed his desire to win by mixing his unique wit. Manager Kim Tae-hyung said, "I heard that I'm going to throw only one inning today, but I heard that I'm going to throw about 30 pitches," adding, "I'm going to deal with it normally." "Something like bunting has the effect of making you throw less when you face it," he laughed.

Lastly, regarding Ahn Woo-jin's return to normal condition, he said, "If you are in normal condition, it is best not to meet (from the standpoint of the opponent). He said, "It's best to avoid good pitchers," but added, "It's best not to meet any good pitcher if it's the other team."

On the other hand, Kiwoom will use the "1+1 strategy" of checking one inning (maximum 30 pitches) with Ahn Woo-jin as the starting pitcher and then attaching Bae Dong-hyun. Attention is focusing on what kind of firepower Lotte's batters will show in the return match of Korea's best pitcher.

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*This content was translated by AI.