'A Name Forgotten by NC Fans' Lee Jae-hak, Experiencing Biceps Pain During Rehabilitation... Why Did Coach Ho-buji Say It Was "Actually a Good Sign"? [Jamsil On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

"There was some muscle pain in the biceps area, so we paused briefly. They said it was actually a good sign."

Lee Ho-jun, 50, NC Dinos manager, shared news about Lee Jae-hak, 36, who is preparing for his return. Although the rehabilitation process halted due to pain, Manager Lee smiled, calling it a positive sign.

On the 19th, ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, Manager Lee met with reporters and stated, "Lee Jae-hak is scheduled to pitch on the 23rd (in the minor league)."

He is now a name unfamiliar even to NC fans. Lee Jae-hak, who wore the Doosan uniform after being selected 10th overall in the second round of the 2010 rookie draft, joined NC as a founding member and has recorded 85 wins while building history with the team.

The problem was injury. Ahead of the 2025 season, he felt elbow pain during spring training and returned home early. Ultimately, he underwent surgery due to damage to the medial collateral ligament of the elbow. Having missed the entire previous season, Lee Jae-hak is diligently undergoing rehabilitation with the goal of returning in May.

Finally, a schedule for his return to the minor league has been set. If there are no issues in the minor league, he is expected to get an opportunity in the first division. NC currently ranks seventh with a team ERA of 4.59. For NC, currently in eighth place, to make a higher leap, stabilizing the mound is essential, and there is high expectation that the experienced Lee Jae-hak will lend his strength.

He participated in live pitching in the third league and also appeared in practice games. However, pain has reappeared in his arm. Nevertheless, Manager Lee smiled. "There was some muscle pain in the biceps area, so we paused briefly," he said, explaining, "The training staff explained that muscle pain in the biceps means he threw hard, and since there is no pain, it means he threw hard." He added, "When muscle pain occurs in the biceps like that, they say it is actually a good sign."

He continued, "They explained that this is the original stage. During the rehabilitation phase, biceps (pain) occurs, and then some stiffness comes in the lower back and other areas. They said that once all of that passes, it means the buildup is complete."

It was also revealed that Shin Min-hyuk, who showed pain in his elbow, is not in serious condition. Shin Min-hyuk, who suddenly complained of pain in the second inning during the Changwon Kiwoom Heroes game on the 15th and was removed from the game, underwent a hospital diagnosis afterward, which confirmed it was simple inflammation.

Manager Lee said, "It was the timing to let him rest originally. We will prepare while managing him. It probably won't take that long. Once he rehabilitates and the inflammation disappears, he will throw the ball." He also added, "The substitute starter will be Kim Tae-kyung."

"Even when I took over last year, it was a slightly problematic area. I don't think there is a single pitcher in Korea without any issues," said Manager Lee. "He pitched so well last year and has a history of having surgery once. Last year, even when we tried to let him rest, he strongly refused in some instances. We were worried about the surgical area, but I am relieved to hear it is just simple inflammation."

NC lined up Park Min-woo (second baseman), Han Seok-hyun (left fielder), Kim Ju-won (shortstop), Lee Woo-seong (designated hitter), Oh Young-soo (first baseman), Do Tae-hoon (third baseman), Park Si-won (right fielder), Ahn Jung-yeol (catcher), and Choi Jeong-won (center fielder) for the game. Curtis Taylor will start on the mound.

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*This content was translated by AI.