[Official] Moon Dong-ju completes shoulder surgery in the U.S. "The surgery went well. It won't be easy, but I won't waste this time."

*This content was translated by AI.

Moon Dong-ju (23, Hanwha Eagles), a pitcher expected to lead the future of Korean baseball, has completed surgery to treat a shoulder injury.

The Hanwha Eagles announced on the 20th that "Moon Dong-ju underwent labrum repair surgery at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, U.S. on the 20th."

Moon Dong-ju, who started against the Samsung Lions on the 2nd but had to leave the game voluntarily after complaining of shoulder pain before completing the first inning, was advised by a detailed examination that he had a tear in the right shoulder labrum and required surgery.

Subsequently, Moon Dong-ju decided to undergo surgery, sought a second opinion from the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic, known as the top authority in this field, and ultimately boarded a flight to the U.S. for the procedure.

Hanwha stated, "We have received news that the surgery was completed successfully, and rehabilitation is scheduled to begin in two days. He will remain in the U.S. to monitor his progress before returning to Korea. The exact date of his return is yet to be determined."

Moon Dong-ju also shared on his social networking service (SNS), "I am reaching out just after finishing the surgery. The surgery went well. I wanted to convey this message first to everyone who was worried about me. I am sincerely grateful."

He continued, "I am well aware that a long rehabilitation period awaits. It will not be an easy path, but I will not waste a single moment. I will endure each day diligently and return to the mound as a tougher and better player than before. I believe that is the greatest repayment I can offer to everyone who supports me."

He added, "I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again to my family, senior and junior teammates, the Hanwha Eagles organization, my agent, and the fans who have waited silently for me." He also conveyed greetings to staff and sponsors, writing, "I will return with a wonderful appearance. I am sorry and grateful. I will definitely return in a better form. Please wait for me. Thank you."

Now, he embarks on a long rehabilitation journey. Ryu Hyun-jin, a senior teammate, already has a history of undergoing this surgery while playing in Major League Baseball (MLB). When Ryu underwent surgery in 2015, it was considered a very critical injury for pitchers, and there was much doubt about whether he could regain his form.

Ryu Hyun-jin, who lost an entire season, underwent elbow arthroscopic surgery the following year and suffered a tear in his left adductor muscle in 2018, enduring a difficult period. However, he made a perfect comeback in 2019 with 14 wins and 5 losses, even leading the MLB in ERA.

Ryu Hyun-jin offered advice, saying, "Dong-ju cried terribly upon hearing the MRI results. I tried to ease his fears by telling him that when he woke up, the surgery would already be done." He also noted, "There will likely be some pain during the rehabilitation process. He must endure that pain to the extent necessary to return. He needs to get through that period and then be able to perform without pain. I think Dong-ju must take care of that himself."

For now, recovery is the priority. Hanwha stated, "The future rehabilitation period will be decided after confirming the surgical progress." They also added, "Moon Dong-ju is satisfied with his condition after the surgery and has expressed his determination to diligently undergo rehabilitation."

Signed with a signing bonus of 500 million won after being selected first overall in the 2022 draft, Moon Dong-ju wore the Hanwha uniform. In his debut season, he played in only 13 games due to a partial tear of the right shoulder subscapularis muscle, but he returned the following year, pitched 118 2/3 innings, and achieved 8 wins and 8 losses with an ERA of 3.72, securing Shin In-sang-eul (수상).

His shoulder had consistently been under strain. In 2024, accumulated fatigue in his shoulder led to a disappointing ERA of 5.17, and his season preparation was delayed due to injury. However, last year he achieved his first double-digit wins (11) in his career and led the team to the Korean Series for the first time in 19 years. Moon Dong-ju, who pitched an additional 11 1/3 innings in the playoffs and the Korean Series, prepared to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) but ultimately fell due to a recurrence of shoulder issues.

At that time, he was diagnosed with simple shoulder inflammation and performed normally in exhibition games. After the season opener, he pitched 24 1/3 innings in six games, recording an ERA of 5.18, a batting average against of 0.281, and an innings per baserunner allowed (WHIP) of 1.56. He managed only one quality start (six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs).

It seemed that a return to form was only a matter of time, but the pain recurred once again. A detailed examination led him back to the operating table, and now he faces the lonely battle of rehabilitation.

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*This content was translated by AI.