Ahn Woo-jin to start as scheduled against KT on the 18th! "Blisters appeared, but checks show no issues → Bae Dong-hyun will follow"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes ace Ahn Woo-jin (27) will take the mound as scheduled for the game against KT Wiz on the 18th.

Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) met with reporters at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 17th ahead of the away game against KT Wiz, revealing Ahn Woo-jin's condition and future starting plans.

Ahn Woo-jin, who made his comeback after 955 days in the game against Kiwoom on the 12th, recording one inning with one strikeout and no runs allowed, later faced concerns over blisters on his fingers, but Manager Seol dismissed them. Manager Seol stated, "I had some worries about the blisters, but after checking, there was no major issue with him starting on the 18th," officially confirming Ahn Woo-jin's start against KT on the 18th.

However, since this appearance will be close to a build-up, pitch count control will be strictly managed. Manager Seol added, "He is scheduled to pitch two innings, with a target of around 35 to 40 pitches. Regardless of the two-inning plan, if the pitch count is reached, he will be replaced immediately."

With Ahn Woo-jin pitching a short inning, Kiwoom will implement a "1+1" strategy, bringing in right-hander Bae Dong-hyun as they did on the 12th. Manager Seol explained, "If Ahn Woo-jin cleanly covers about two innings, it would be best for Bae Dong-hyun to follow and take responsibility for three to four innings, carrying the team to around the sixth inning."

Regarding the decision to place Bae Dong-hyun later in the lineup, Manager Seol Jong-jin offered the analysis, "Personally, Bae Dong-hyun has not started many games in his career and needs an adjustment period. Having him pitch after Ahn Woo-jin, who throws with high velocity, could disrupt batters' timing and benefit the team in the long run."

On this day, Kiwoom set their starting lineup against KT starter Song Hyo-jun as follows: Lee Ju-hyung (center field), Park Ju-hong (left field), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Brooks (first base), Park Chan-hyuk (right field), Lee Hyung-jong (designated hitter), Kim Ji-seok (third base), Song Ji-hoo (shortstop), and Choi Jae-young (second base). The starting pitcher was Wills.

Meanwhile, ahead of the game, Kiwoom removed catcher Kim Jae-hyun and infielder Park Han-gyeol, and registered catcher Kim Dong-heon and infielder Song Ji-hoo. According to Manager Seol, Park Han-gyeol, who has discomfort in his right shoulder, will need about four to five days of rest and is expected to play in the second team games after his condition is checked. The registration of Kim Dong-heon was also explained as an effort to strengthen the team's offense.

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*This content was translated by AI.