'Return to First Division' Samsung's Baek Jeong-hyun: "Not Many Days Left to Play Baseball, Will Be an Asset to the Team → Body Condition is OK"

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions veteran left-handed pitcher Baek Jeong-hyun (39) returned to the first division mound after 13 days. Feeling that his physical condition has improved significantly, he vowed to be an asset to the team.

Baek Jeong-hyun showcased excellent pitching with one scoreless inning and two strikeouts in a Futures League (minor league) game against KT Wiz on the 24th, completing his final checkup before being called up to the first division on the 26th. Regarding his physical condition at the time, Baek Jeong-hyun said, "My shoulder was fine, and my balance was good. I felt good overall after throwing," and smiled brightly.

Baek Jeong-hyun was removed from the first division roster on the 3rd to undergo re-adjustment and rehabilitation. While staying in the Futures League, he focused entirely on 'recovery' and 'basic balance.' Meeting reporters on the 26th, Baek Jeong-hyun explained, "I first focused on recovering my shoulder. After confirming that the pain was not severe, I concentrated on regaining my collapsed balance. Since my left-right balance was off, it felt like my shoulder was bearing a lot of burden. I practiced a lot to find the correct point of applying force, and fortunately, the Futures League game results were good."

In response to questions about his rehabilitation process, he gave a veteran-like answer. Baek Jeong-hyun said, "When rehabbing, you fight for your life. Even during strengthening exercises, I look for the painful areas," and smiled. He continued, "If an exercise posture that feels fine when done with the right arm causes pain when done with the left arm, I think, 'This point is being stimulated well.' I think the effect came from blindly rehabbing while secretly wiping away tears," revealing his intense preparation process.

In fact, he had a good performance last season but was sidelined due to a shoulder injury in June 2025. Taking the regret of a longer-than-expected gap as a mirror, he showed wisdom in this season by proactively addressing any abnormal signals in his body. Baek Jeong-hyun added, "I felt my balance was off compared to usual, and my shoulder was accumulating fatigue, so I think I came out of the roster early this time. Thanks to that, I was able to practice regaining my pitching balance without a major injury and return quickly."

Baek Jeong-hyun sweated alongside younger pitchers waiting for a call-up to the first division in the Futures League. As a senior who has undergone countless rehabilitation sessions, the advice he gave to the younger pitchers was exceptional. Baek Jeong-hyun said, "I noticed they seemed a bit anxious. I told them they must manage themselves well. In particular, I urged them not to endure and pitch even if they feel the slightest pain, but to speak up immediately. I told them this is not the time to endure and pitch," revealing his affection for the younger players.

Samsung's bullpen ERA this season is 3.99, ranking first among the 10th teams. It is the only bullpen with an ERA in the 3rd-point range. Amidst this positive momentum, Baek Jeong-hyun's resolve was firm. "I must be an asset to the team. The bullpen pitchers are doing so well, so I will focus only on my role. In fact, there aren't many days left to play baseball, so all I can think about is how to be an asset to the team in any way possible," emphasized Baek Jeong-hyun.

Baek Jeong-hyun has returned with a more solidified balance and the sense of responsibility of a veteran. If Baek Jeong-hyun's rich experience and seniority are added to Samsung's bullpen, which boasts the highest stability in the league, Samsung's mound, which is competing for a top-tier position, is expected to aim even higher.

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*This content was translated by AI.