'Return from injury → blister blister misfortune → demotion from first division' KBO's top ace finally returns today (6th)

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes have now fallen into a three-game losing streak. Ultimately, KBO League's top ace An Woo-jin (27) will take the mound as the starting pitcher, carrying the weight of the team's fate. Can they finally break the losing streak?

On the 5th, Kiwoom lost 3-4 to Doosan Bears in an away game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season held at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium.

Kiwoom seemed destined to lose after surrendering two runs in the bottom of the 7th inning while tied 1-1. However, they immediately scored two runs in the top of the 8th to tie the game, demonstrating their resilience. Nevertheless, Kiwoom ultimately suffered a heartbreaking one-run defeat as the bullpen collapsed again in the bottom of the 8th.

With this loss, Kiwoom's record stands at 21 wins, 1 tie, and 37 losses. The team is in last place in the league standings, now trailing the 5th-place Hanwha Eagles by 8.5 games.

First and foremost, they must end the losing streak. Kiwoom will start An Woo-jin as the pitcher in the Jamsil Doosan game scheduled for 5 p.m. on the 6th.

An Woo-jin has appeared in 7 games this season, recording 1 win, 2 losses, and an ERA of 2.25. Over a total of 24 innings, he has allowed 18 hits (1 home run), issued 7 walks, recorded 31 strikeouts, and surrendered 7 runs (6 earned). His WHIP is 1.04, and his batting average against is 0.200.

An Woo-jin encountered an unexpected situation in his previous appearance. His most recent start was against the KIA Tigers on the 26th of last month at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome. At that time, An Woo-jin was scheduled to pitch 5 to 6 innings and throw approximately 80 to 85 pitches.

However, after facing 15 batters through the 4th inning and throwing only 61 pitches, he was suddenly replaced. The reason for the substitution was a blister. A Kiwoom official explained, "We replaced him to protect the player due to blisters on his right index and middle fingers." His performance at the time was 4 innings, 1 hit allowed, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 0 runs allowed. His fastball reached a maximum speed of 159 km/h.

Consequently, An Woo-jin was removed from the first division roster on the 27th, the following day. After dedicating himself to recovery for ten days, he is set to take the mound on the 6th.

It remains to be seen what kind of pitching An Woo-jin will deliver against the Doosan lineup, which is currently on a three-game winning streak. Expectations among Kiwoom fans are rising.

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*This content was translated by AI.