'Return' Gu Ja-wook's emotional remarks: "I am so grateful to my teammates who endured the difficult situation → I will work twice as hard"

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions' 'key outfielder' and spiritual pillar Gu Ja-wook (33) has finally returned to the Lions' lineup. Expressing his apologies and gratitude to his teammates during his injury absence, he vowed to run twice as hard for the team's victory upon his return.

Samsung officially registered Gu Ja-wook in the first division roster ahead of the home game against Kiwoom Heroes at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 5th. This comes about 23 days after he suffered a minor fracture in his left rib while sliding during an NC game on April 12.

Manager Park Jin-man confirmed Gu Ja-wook's physical condition and immediately included him in the starting lineup. On this day, Samsung will launch its hunt for Kiwoom with a powerful table-setter lineup featuring Kim Ji-chan (center fielder) and Gu Ja-wook (left fielder).

After completing all normal training sessions starting with bunt drills, Gu Ja-wook's expression seemed to show a mix of excitement and responsibility. He first reassured Samsung fans regarding his current condition, stating, "My physical condition is fine. I have adjusted my game readiness and completed preparations for my return."

He then recalled the period he was absent due to injury and turned the focus to his teammates. Gu Ja-wook shared, "I felt really bad while being away from the team," and expressed his sincere sentiment, "I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates who held on until the end even in a difficult situation with many injured players."

With Gu Ja-wook's addition, the Samsung lineup has gained a massive boost. In particular, the reunion with foreign infielder Lewin Diaz (30), known as his 'soulmate,' has drawn high expectations. Although Diaz had briefly slowed down during Gu Ja-wook's absence, he has shown explosive momentum in his last five games, batting .400 and hitting a walk-off home run in the Hanwha game on the 3rd. The 'synergy effect' between the two is expected to be maximized.

Additionally, in today's game, Lee Seung-jun, who transitioned from a development player to a regular player, will make his first-ever first division start at shortstop in the ninth spot, injecting new vitality into the team.

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*This content was translated by AI.