[Official] KIA hit by a bolt from the blue; Kim Do-hyun ultimately undergoes surgery: "Decision made for elbow surgery in Tokyo, Japan"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Do-hyun (26), who served as a full-time starter for KIA Tigers last year, will ultimately undergo surgery.

On the 19th, KIA officially announced, "Pitcher Kim Do-hyun will undergo surgery for microfracture union of the right elbow. Additionally, reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament will be performed simultaneously."

Regarding Kim Do-hyun, KIA stated, "After being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the right elbow olecranon last September, he has been dedicated to rehabilitation with the goal of returning during this season. However, he recently felt discomfort in the injured area again during the implementation of the step-by-step throwing program (ITP). Following a re-examination conducted by multiple medical institutions and discussions between the club and the medical team based on their findings, a decision was made to proceed with surgery."

Furthermore, "Kim Do-hyun is scheduled to undergo microfracture union surgery on his right elbow at Tokyo Sports Orthopedic Clinic (TSOC) in Tokyo, Japan, on the 30th. Additionally, following the medical team's recommendation that it would be beneficial to perform medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery simultaneously during the procedure, it was decided to conduct both surgeries at the same time."

A KIA official emphasized, "We will spare no effort in providing all necessary support during the treatment and rehabilitation process to ensure Kim Do-hyun can return to the mound in good health."

Earlier, KIA manager Lee Beom-ho commented on Kim Do-hyun, "I understand that he had to stop the step-by-step throwing program (ITP·Interval Throwing Program) during his rehabilitation process. It seems he will need more time. I have only heard that he is currently focusing calmly on his recovery. We are not yet considering his return. I think it will be somewhat difficult for the time being." He then ultimately decided to proceed with surgery.

Kim Do-hyun, who graduated from Gilwon Elementary School (Dongdaemun-gu Little League), Jamsin Middle School, and Shinil High School, joined the Hanwha Eagles as the 33rd overall pick in the 4th round of the 2019 second-phase rookie draft. In his debut year, he appeared in 11 games, recording 4 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 4.26, demonstrating his potential.

However, he was ultimately unable to secure a firm spot with Hanwha. In April 2022, he joined KIA via a trade. At that time, KIA sent pitchers Lee Min-woo and outfielder Lee Jin-young to Hanwha in exchange for Kim Do-hyun. Afterward, Kim Do-hyun enlisted in the military in August 2022 and was discharged in February 2024.

He then served as the fifth starter for KIA in the 2025 season, making 24 starts. He recorded 4 wins, 7 losses, and an ERA of 4.81. He pitched a career-high 125⅓ innings, allowing 149 hits (11 home runs), issuing 33 walks, hitting 10 batters, striking out 71, and allowing 79 runs (67 earned runs).

However, since the Gwangju Lotte game on September 11 last year, he has not appeared on the mound again. At that time, he pitched only one inning before reporting right elbow pain and was removed from the mound early. A detailed examination confirmed a stress fracture. He chose to focus on natural recovery without surgery, but the pain recurred this time, leading to the decision to undergo surgery.

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*This content was translated by AI.