"We would have tried to bring him back even if Yeom Kyung-yeop were here": The scenario for Go Woo-seok's return to LG, which took the player's feelings into account, awaits only the final decision on the championship.

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) clearly stated that the scenario for Go Woo-seok (28, Erie SeaWolves) to return was not hastily assembled.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, ahead of the the 28th game against the Suwon KT Wiz, revealed plans to use a closer in the final week of April, saying, "Another player could come in. That is the club's responsibility," while mentioning the possibility of Go Woo-seok's return.

That other player was Go Woo-seok. Go Woo-seok is currently affiliated with the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A team under the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). The mention of Go Woo-seok, who is in the United States, comes amid a recent crisis facing LG. LG recently lost national team closer Yeom Kyung-yeop (29). Yeom Kyung-yeop felt elbow pain in recent appearances, and after undergoing examinations at three domestic hospitals, he was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the right olecranon. The LG organization confirmed Yeom Kyung-yeop's elbow surgery on the 27th, making it highly likely that he will be out for the season.

This brought up Go Woo-seok, the former LG closer before Yeom Kyung-yeop. After graduating from Galsan Elementary, Yangcheon Middle, and Chungam High School, Go Woo-seok joined LG in 2017 as the first-round pick in the KBO Rookie Draft, consistently serving as the closer until the 2023 championship. He won the saves champion title in 2022 with 42 saves and, after leading the team to a Korean Series championship in 2023, challenged the U.S. Major Leagues.

The challenge in the U.S. proved more arduous than expected. He joined the San Diego Padres in 2024, was involved in a package trade with young prospects, and endured two instances of outright assignment. Recently, despite not being injured, he was sent from Triple-A to Double-A. As of the end of the game on the 28th, Go Woo-seok's career Double-A statistics stand at 33 games, 6.15 ERA, 41 innings, 20 walks/strikeouts, and 53 strikeouts. His Triple-A record shows 37 games, 4.41 ERA, 49 innings, 27 walks/strikeouts, and 43 strikeouts.

Depending on one's perspective, it could be seen that LG is in an immediate bullpen crisis and is now seeking Go Woo-seok, whose call-up to the Big Leagues has become uncertain. However, the manager made it clear that this was not the sole reason, while also aiming to consider the player's feelings.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop stated, "Even if we had (Yeom) Kyung-yeop, we had decided to try to bring back (Go) Woo-seok. You might think we are only moving now because we need him, but we had been communicating with him all along. Saying we moved hastily because we needed him would surely disappoint (Go) Woo-seok," drawing a clear line.

This also means that the possibility of Go Woo-seok returning to Korea during the season has been factored into the season plan. Since Go Woo-seok entered the Major Leagues through the posting system and can only return to his original team, LG, upon coming back to Korea, this was possible. However, this did not disregard the player's wishes. Manager Yeom revealed, "When we saw (Go) Woo-seok last winter, we even thought he might stop. But Woo-seok said he wanted to play for one more year."

Even if he does not return, plans were already in place. The targets include right-handed fireballer Kim Young-woo (20), a rookie of the year candidate last year, and veteran reliever Jang Hyun-sik (31). Manager Yeom explained, "Depending on the opposing lineup, the stronger pitcher will be used in save situations. We planned for the 8th and 9th innings with Kim Young-woo and Jang Hyun-sik, and decided which of the two would pitch in the 9th inning based on who was performing better. We will judge which player is in better form in this week's games and decide on one pitcher for next week."

However, it is an undeniable fact that Go Woo-seok, with his extensive closing experience, would be a tremendous asset if he returns. As demonstrated in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Go Woo-seok's fastball, clocking up to 155 km/h, remains a powerful weapon in the KBO League. LG has made all necessary preparations for the return of its championship closer, and only Go Woo-seok's decision remains.

Manager Yeom smiled and said, "It is time for him to come now. (Go) Woo-seok coming back and readjusting would be a well-timed fit, considering fan support and various conditions. When everything is going well and we are performing well, versus when we need him, I believe (Go) Woo-seok will definitely feel the difference."

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*This content was translated by AI.