'Han Hyun-hee Compensation Player' 158km Fireballer "(An) Woo-jin's pitching made me burn with fire → No issues with rehabilitation"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' "fireballer" Lee Kang-jun (25), who has undergone two trades, has started his engine toward a comeback after completing a long rehabilitation following elbow surgery. Once expected to be the team's next-generation core bullpen arm with his 158km/h fastball, he is now ready to return not as an "injured player" but as a "player ready to throw." He is also well known among baseball fans as the compensation player for Han Hyun-hee (33, Lotte Giants).

Lee Kang-jun, who underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) last July, is currently undergoing intense rehabilitation with the Futures team as of April. In a recent phone interview with StarNews, he smiled and said, "I started throwing the ball in December last year, and I haven't felt any pain even once so far."

Those around him had warned him that "you will definitely feel pain at least once during rehabilitation," but Lee Kang-jun was an exception. Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) also told StarNews that he received reports on Lee's rapid recovery and hinted at the possibility of Lee's first real-game appearance in the Futures League in mid-May. Lee Kang-jun also provided a specific schedule, stating, "If things go according to plan, I should be able to play my first real-game match in the Futures League around the end of May."

During his rehabilitation period, the thing that stimulated Lee Kang-jun the most was the sight of his teammates. In particular, the pitching of two-year senior "ace" An Woo-jin (27), who recently announced a successful comeback with a top speed of 160km/h, ignited a fire in Lee Kang-jun's heart.

Lee Kang-jun said, "Watching (An) Woo-jin throw, I couldn't help but think, 'As expected, An Woo-jin is An Woo-jin.'" He added, "During my time off, I had many conversations with Woo-jin, who underwent rehabilitation after surgery, as well as with (Kim) Jae-woong, and that was a great source of strength. Now, I feel a burning desire to get on the mound as soon as possible," sharing his honest feelings.

The recent attention given to another sidearm fireballer Woo Kang-hoon (24, LG Twins) within the league is also a good source of motivation for him. Lee Kang-jun said, "Since our styles are similar, it definitely provides motivation," but he also emphasized, "However, while rehabilitating, I saw things I hadn't seen before, and I think I'm seeing more now. Most importantly, what I do well is crucial. I want to start throwing as soon as possible."

A graduate of Seorak High School, Lee Kang-jun was drafted by KT Wiz in the 3rd round, 22nd overall, in the 2020 2nd Rookie Draft. He underwent no fewer than two trades. The trade saw Lee Kang-jun move to Lotte, while infielder Oh Yun-seok and catcher Kim Jun-tae (currently with LG) moved to KT. Lee Kang-jun's team moves did not end there. Ahead of the 2023 season, he donned a Kiwoom uniform as the compensation player for Han Hyun-hee, who signed a free agent (FA) contract with Lotte.

Although he was highly anticipated after completing his mandatory military service, he left a sense of regret due to injuries. This time, Lee Kang-jun is betting his all on his comeback. He said, "Last season, I actually didn't watch baseball at all. I received a lot of expectations, and I was actually sorry that I couldn't deliver satisfactory results." He added, "I have prepared well through this time of surgery and rebuilding. From now on, I will definitely repay those expectations with results that meet them," vowing to do so.

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*This content was translated by AI.