"An Woo-jin will deliver even better pitching in the second half—it would be great if he could secure a few more wins!" The Kiwoom manager's expectations

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' ace An Woo-jin (27) has received positive evaluations from his manager, who confirmed that he has successfully returned from surgery and completed his rehabilitation season.

Seol Jong-jin (53), Kiwoom's manager, encouraged An Woo-jin, the starting pitcher for the previous day (the 7th), during an interview with reporters ahead of the away game against KT Wiz at SuwonKT Wiz Park on the 8th as part of the '2026 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League'. "I think starting pitchers can give up around three runs. An Woo-jin managed to pitch through six innings, so I didn't view it negatively," he said.

Currently, An Woo-jin has undergone both Tommy John surgery (elbow ligament reconstruction) and shoulder surgery simultaneously and is now in his return season. He has appeared in 13 games this season with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses and an ERA of 3.70. In the the 7th game against KT, he pitched six innings, allowing eight hits, striking out six, walking one, and giving up three runs, but was charged with the loss. While his dominance is not at the level of his prime years, considering this is a rehabilitation season following a major injury, his performance is sufficiently respectable.

Manager Seol expressed encouraging reactions regarding An Woo-jin's physical condition. "His velocity is still coming out. The most critical issue was his injured shoulder, but fortunately, there have been no reports of pain so far," he said, adding, "It seems he has successfully completed treatment and rehabilitation after surgery." He continued, "Although he hasn't secured many wins yet, if the batters provide a bit more support in the second half, I expect him to deliver much better pitching than in the first half," clearly expressing his expectations.

Addressing concerns raised by some regarding his game sharpness due to having a few more losses, Manager Seol drew a clear line. "I don't think there is any problem with his game feel at all," he stated. "However, as our ace, he may feel the weight of responsibility that every game he starts must be won. If the lineup provides a bit more power, he should be able to pitch more comfortably," he added.

Regarding the blister injuries that have occasionally troubled An Woo-jin this season, Manager Seol did not express significant concern. He explained, "The area where blisters first appeared and the area where they recently developed are different," and noted, "They do not seem to be a major obstacle as we head into the second half."

Meanwhile, Kiwoom has designated Raul Alcantara as the starting pitcher for their first game of the second half following the All-Star break. Regarding the rotation thereafter, they are taking a cautious approach. Manager Seol stated, "We are considering the order between An Woo-jin and top rookie Park Jun-hyun for the second and third starter spots in the second half. The pitching order will be carefully decided through staff meetings before the start of the second half."

On this day, Kiwoom set its starting lineup as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), An Chi-hong (designated hitter), Davison (first baseman), Hyu-ra (left fielder), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Choo Jae-hyun (center fielder), Kim Keon-hee (catcher), Kwon Hyeok-bin (shortstop), and Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman). Bae Dong-hyun will take the mound as the starting pitcher.

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*This content was translated by AI.