'The pitcher we trusted so much,' Rosenburg is coming, perfect rotation lineup built → Will Kiwoom's counterattack begin? [Gocheok Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Last year, Kiwoom Heroes attempted the bold move of forming its foreign player roster with just two players. While this was also intended to strengthen the lineup, it can also be seen as reflecting the team's strong confidence in its only foreign pitcher, Kenny Rosenburg (31). Rosenburg, who had left the team due to injury, has returned to the Hero squad after one year.

'The Kiwoom organization announced on the 12th, "The pitcher Rosenburg, who was signed as a short-term replacement foreign player, will enter the country through Incheon Airport at 5:10 a.m. on the 14th. His pitching schedule will be decided later."

'Left-handed pitcher Rosenburg signed a six-week short-term contract for $50,000 (approximately 74 million won) on the 21st last year due to an arm injury to Nathan Wiles.

'Rosenburg was the pitcher Kiwoom signed for $800,000 (approximately 1.192 billion won) ahead of last season. Along with Yasiel Puig and Ruben Cardenas, he donned the Heroes uniform as part of a plan to strengthen the lineup.

'He pitched 75 1/3 innings over 13 games, demonstrating solid inning-eating ability, and posted a 4-4 record with a 3.23 ERA, delivering stable pitching as a number-one starter.

'The problem was injury. Complaining of a hip injury, he eventually left Korea.

'Expectations were high for this season to have a solid rotation lineup, including Raul Alcantara, Wiles, An Woo-jin returning from injury, and rookie Park Jun-hyun. However, Ha Young-min left due to injury, and Wiles also developed arm issues, creating a hole in the rotation.

'Ultimately, the decision was made to fill the vacancy with Rosenburg, but his visa issuance became a stumbling block. Although a six-week contract was signed, the visa processing schedule conducted in the United States was delayed, and the issue remained unresolved for three weeks.

'Finally, Rosenburg has completed his preparation to take the mound. With the visa issue resolved, he will enter the country on the 14th and join the team. Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin stated, "For now, upon arriving early on the 14th, he will rest a bit, then join the team in the afternoon to greet everyone. The training staff will also check his physical condition. After that, we will decide on his pitching date. I think his next appearance will be around the weekend."

'He appears ready to be deployed in games immediately. Manager Seol said, "We have been informed that his physical condition is fine and he can throw right away. However, just in case, the training staff needs to discuss with the player how many pitches would be appropriate. Based on that, we will plan his pitch count and innings."

'Despite lacking recent game experience, there is no doubt because he has already shown his capabilities last year. Manager Seol explained, "He reportedly threw live sessions personally in the United States. Other teams in the U.S. also made offers, so we have been informed that his physical condition and preparation are all ready. We will also check his physical condition one final time before preparing for his debut."

'Manager Seol announced that Park Jeong-hoon would pitch on the 13th and An Woo-jin on the 14th. Following that, for the Changwon NC Dinos away games starting on the 15th, Alcantara and Park Jun-hyun are scheduled to pitch after resting for five days each, and Rosenburg is expected to be deployed in the game on the 17th.

'If Rosenburg performs as expected, Kiwoom will build a perfect five-man rotation by removing Park Jeong-hoon. He is expected to be a valuable asset that adds diversity to Kiwoom's rotation lineup, which was previously composed entirely of right-handed pitchers, by adding a left-handed pitcher.

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*This content was translated by AI.