[Exclusive] 'LG Bad News' Closer Yoo Young-chan Finally Out for the Season, Unfortunate "Condition Worse Than Expected" — Only the Decision on Surgery Remains

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins closer Yoo Young-chan (29) has effectively ended his season. His elbow condition is not as good as expected. At this point, it appears that only the decision on whether to undergo surgery remains.

According to a StarNews investigation on the afternoon of the 26th, it is increasingly unlikely that Yoo Young-chan will be seen pitching again this season.

A source close to Yoo Young-chan's side stated, "He has been diagnosed with a rehabilitation period of about 8 to 9 months. Although he is scheduled to undergo a second detailed examination on the 27th, his condition is worse than expected. It seems difficult for him to return to the mound this season." The source added, "If he opts for elbow surgery instead of rehabilitation, we are considering locations not only in Korea but also in Japan."

LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, the team's commander, said in an interview with reporters ahead of the game against the Doosan Bears held at Jamsil Stadium on this day, "If the same area (elbow) gets injured again, we will have to insert a pin. That is why we are conducting a detailed examination. Two years ago, he only underwent surgery to shave down the bone. If there is truly a crack in the bone, we must ensure it is done safely so it does not recur. In that case, it may take a long time, which is why we are conducting a detailed examination."

Previously, an LG club official also stated on the 25th regarding Yoo Young-chan, "He received the first basic examination on this day (the 25th), and a second detailed examination will be conducted on the 27th to obtain more accurate results." Ultimately, if the second detailed examination does not show significant improvement, both the club and Yoo Young-chan are expected to make a long-term judgment.

On the 24th, Yoo Young-chan appeared in relief in the bottom of the 9th inning when his team was leading 4-1 against Doosan at Jamsil Stadium. At the time, LG replaced Woo Kang-hoon with Yoo Young-chan on the mound. The conditions for a save were met.

As soon as Yoo Young-chan took the mound, he struck out Kang Seung-ho with a swinging strike. With a 1-1 count, Kang Seung-ho watched the third pitch as a strike. Then, he threw a slider on the low part of the strike zone on the fourth pitch, causing Kang Seung-ho's bat to swing in the air.

However, at the same time, a heartbreaking situation occurred. As soon as Yoo Young-chan threw the fourth pitch, he collapsed right there. He immediately took off the glove he was wearing on the opposite hand and complained of elbow pain. Pitching coach Kim Kwang-sam and a trainer quickly ran out to check Yoo Young-chan's condition. However, a signal was sent to the dugout that it was no longer possible to pitch. After retiring just one batter, he came off the mound.

Yoo Young-chan has appeared in 13 games this season, recording 1 loss and 11 saves without a win, with an ERA of 0.75. He has thrown a total of 12 innings, allowing 4 hits, 6 walks, and recording 12 strikeouts, with 1 earned run. His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) is 0.83, and his batting average against is 0.103. He is currently leading alone in the saves category. In particular, Yoo Young-chan participated in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) held in March last year, displaying fighting spirit and gaining valuable experience.

Yoo Young-chan underwent surgery in December 2024 for a stress fracture of the olecranon in his right elbow. After a difficult rehabilitation period, he returned to the first division in June last year. This season, he aimed to go through a full season for the first time since his surgery. However, unfortunately, he has encountered a setback due to injury. Manager Yeom said, "This year, there was a chance to become the saves champion, which could have elevated his career," expressing his regret.

Regarding the replacement closer, Manager Yeom stated, "For the time being, we will rotate pitchers. We cannot have a long gap in the closer position. We cannot go on like that for more than a month, so we will decide on the closer after observing the situation until next week (April 28 to May 3). If the closer collapses, it affects the next and the following game. We will carefully select the closer after monitoring their condition and energy."

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*This content was translated by AI.