'LG Championship Hero → Released in Pain' Chirinos Declares Comeback in Hometown Venezuela, Aiming for October Return

*This content was translated by AI.

Right-handed pitcher Yoni Chirinos (33), who secured 13 wins last season and brought the championship trophy to LG Twins, is aiming for a comeback in his hometown of Venezuela. Although he suffered the pain of being released due to poor performance this season, he is not giving up and is preparing for the second chapter of his baseball career.

Venezuelan sports specialty media 'El Emergente' reported on the 10th (Korea time) that "Chirinos, who was released by LG, plans to take the mound wearing the uniform of Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP), which opens in October." Chirinos, who was placed on waivers by LG on the 3rd, officially became a free agent on the 10th.

In fact, Chirinos was an irreplaceable starting pitcher for LG during the 2025 season. He started 30 games in the 2025 regular season, leading the team to first place with 13 wins, 6 losses, an ERA of 3.31, and 137 strikeouts over 177 innings. He also pitched well in one game of the 2025 Korean Series against Hanwha Eagles, allowing 4 hits, striking out 5, and giving up 1 run over 6 innings. Although he unfortunately did not earn the win, his Korean Series ERA was 1.50.

He signed a contract extension for the 2026 season to continue his glory, but the gods of baseball were harsh to him. This season, Chirinos started 8 games and received an unfamiliar record of 2 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 6.68. Ultimately, after his last appearance of the season against Lotte on May 27, where he pitched 3 2/3 innings and allowed 6 runs, he finished his final KBO appearance of the season.

He ultimately admitted that the issue was due to elbow discomfort. According to the report, Chirinos did not hide the fact that his elbow condition was still not perfect in an interview with local Venezuelan reporter Jesus Ponte.

His determination to return is hotter than ever. In the interview, Chirinos said, "I want to stand on the mound again with a perfectly prepared appearance," and "I plan to undergo a detailed examination in Venezuela by June and begin formal rehabilitation. I want to stand before Aguilas fans in October with a fully recovered appearance," expressing his strong will.

Chirinos is now preparing to return to the Venezuelan league. He is expected to play starting from the 2026-2027 season. Although he did not participate in the Venezuelan Winter League during his time with LG, a return after three seasons since the 2023-2024 season is highly likely.

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*This content was translated by AI.