'Rosenberg Contract Extension' Kiwoom Buys Time for Wilds' Buildup! Manager Says, "He Will Start Pitching in Futures League → His Physical Condition Will Improve"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes, which has taken a sigh of relief by extending the contract with foreign left-handed pitcher Kenny Rosenberg (31), is now launching a full-scale buildup for the return of 'ace' Nathan Wilds (28). Seol Jong-jin (53), Kiwoom's General Director, indicated that Wilds would go through a return procedure and even participate in Futures League minor league games, hoping for a more complete return.

The Kiwoom organization announced on the 28th, "We have signed a six-week extension contract with Rosenberg, who joined as a replacement player in April and has maintained the starting rotation." This decision appears to be aimed at filling the rehabilitation period for Wilds, who was sidelined due to partial damage to the supraspinatus tendon in his right shoulder and other issues. With Rosenberg firmly holding down the mound, Kiwoom has gained valuable time to build Wilds' physical condition without rushing his return.

Manager Seol Jong-jin of Kiwoom also conveyed Wilds' smooth recovery progress and specific return plans on the 28th ahead of the match against KIA Tigers.

In an interview with on-site reporters, Manager Seol gave a positive assessment of Wilds' physical condition, stating, "We have been informed that he is gradually improving." He further explained the step-by-step process for his return, saying, "We need to start the buildup from now on," and added, "He will need to do bullpen pitching and live pitching as well."

In particular, the manager selected the minor league (Futures) as the stage to fine-tune his game readiness. Manager Seol stated, "After completing live pitching, we plan to do one-inning buildups in the Futures League," revealing his plan to bring Wilds back to the first division in perfect condition after going through actual game pitching. This is interpreted as a strategy to call him up to the first division once he can handle a pitch count close to 100.

According to the Kiwoom organization, Wilds is expected to return to the first division mound by mid-July after carefully going through the buildup process, including ITP (step-by-step pitching program), live pitching, and Futures League actual games. With the time secured by Rosenberg's contract extension, attention is focused on whether Kiwoom can make a decisive move through Wilds' complete buildup.

Meanwhile, Kiwoom set its starting lineup in the following order: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), An Chi-hong (designated hitter), Im Byung-wook (right fielder), Choi Ju-hwan (first baseman), Lee Hyung-jong (left fielder), Kim Woong-bin (third baseman), Park Ju-hong (center fielder), Park Sung-bin (catcher), and Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Rosenberg. Rosenberg had not recorded a win or loss in the previous two games, posting an ERA of 1.42, which was not bad. In his previous appearance on the 22nd against LG at Jamsil, he pitched well over four innings, allowing three hits and two walks without giving up any runs.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.