'Oh no!' Samsung's ace reliever sidelined for six weeks due to elbow flexor/pronator injury → initial re-evaluation in four weeks

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Ji-kwang, Samsung Lions' ace reliever pitcher, will be temporarily sidelined from the mound due to an elbow injury.

On the 11th morning, a Samsung Lions club official announced, "Pitcher Choi Ji-kwang, who was removed from the first-division roster on the 8th, was diagnosed with a Grade-1 (G-1) injury to the flexor and pronator muscles of his right elbow following hospital examinations." The official added, "Medical advice indicates approximately six weeks of rehabilitation will be required. A re-evaluation is scheduled in four weeks."

Choi Ji-kwang has played 25 games this season, posting a record of 4 wins with no losses, 1 save, and 8 holds, while maintaining an ERA of 2.45. As a key figure in Samsung's bullpen, he has been instrumental in securing team victories as a "ace reliever," typically appearing in the seventh or eighth inning. For Samsung, which is engaged in a fierce race for the standings, his absence will be deeply felt.

Choi Ji-kwang, who had raised concerns among fans after being excluded from the first-division roster on the 8th, has now faced the setback of a forearm muscle injury and will focus on treatment and recovery for the foreseeable future. While the severity of the injury does not appear to be critical, given his status as a core bullpen asset, the club plans to avoid forcing an early return and instead carefully monitor his progress through a re-evaluation in four weeks.

With Samsung Lions needing to make a final push to compete for top position, the team faces urgency in determining how to fill Choi Ji-kwang's six-week absence, prompting heightened attention on bullpen management.

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*This content was translated by AI.