'Elbow stress fracture' LG closer Yoo Young-chan opts for surgery: "Will undergo pin fixation procedure after receiving treatment in Japan"

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoo Young-chan (29), who guarded the back door for LG Twins, has decided to undergo surgery. Following an exclusive report by StarNews that revealed the seriousness of his injury, Yoo Young-chan is scheduled to receive pin fixation surgery on his elbow at a hospital in Japan after undergoing a detailed diagnosis.

On the 27th, LG announced, "Yoo Young-chan received medical opinions from three domestic hospitals stating that pin fixation surgery is necessary due to a stress fracture of the olecranon in his right elbow. He plans to receive treatment at Yokohama Minami Kyoai Hospital in Japan and will decide on the surgical hospital afterward."

Yoo Young-chan's season-ending injury was first reported in an exclusive by StarNews on the 27th. A source close to Yoo Young-chan told StarNews, "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 not as good as expected. It appears difficult for him to return to the mound this season."

In fact, the olecranon, the site of Yoo Young-chan's injury, had already undergone surgery once in December 2024 due to a minor fracture. While the previous surgery primarily involved removing bone spurs, this time, a more definitive procedure involving inserting pins into the bone to prevent recurrence of the stress fracture has been decided.

The reason LG is considering Yokohama Minami Kyoai Hospital in Japan as the surgical venue is that the hospital holds world-class authority in elbow surgery. Given that many KBO League pitchers have used this facility as a springboard for their comeback, Yoo Young-chan also intends to rebuild his body at the most reliable location.

If Yoo Young-chan undergoes pin fixation surgery, it is expected to take at least 8 to 9 months, not only for the bone to heal but also to re-establish his pitching mechanics and regain strength.

Yoo Young-chan, who was on pace to set a career high with 11 saves and an ERA of 0.75 in 13 games this season, is expected to feel significant regret. In particular, he recorded 11 consecutive saves in April, showing his peak form, but unfortunately had to take a break.

Yeom Kyung-yeop, the manager who has lost the league's best closer, is expected to face deep concerns. Some are cautiously speculating about the possibility of Ko Woo-seok, who is continuing his challenge in the U.S. minor leagues, returning. However, with the unresolved contract issue involving Detroit, the team now faces the task of relying on its internal bullpen resources to hold the save situation for the time being.

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*This content was translated by AI.