'Former LG' Chirinos shares update: "Recovering from surgery → Scheduled to return to Venezuela League in October"

*This content was translated by AI.

Right-handed pitcher Yoni Chirinos (33), who led the LG Twins to a championship last season with 13 wins, has directly shared his latest update following surgery.

In an interview with Venezuelan sports media 'El Emergente' on the 3rd (Korean time), Chirinos stated, "I plan to return to the mound wearing the uniform of LVBP's Águilas del Zulia, which opens in October, after completing surgery and rehabilitation."

Chirinos was an indispensable starting pitcher for the LG Twins during the 2025 season. He appeared in 30 regular-season games, recording 13 wins, 6 losses, an ERA of 3.31, 177 innings pitched, and 137 strikeouts, leading the team to first place in the regular league. In the Korean Series, he pitched one game over six innings, allowing only one run (ERA 1.50), helping secure the championship trophy.

However, after re-signing for the 2026 season, Chirinos struggled with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses in eight games, posting an ERA of 6.68. Suffering from elbow discomfort, he last appeared on the KBO stage in a game against Lotte on May 27 and was officially released on June 10 (following a waiver notice and transition to free agent status).

In his interview with the media, Chirinos said, "I want to return to the mound looking completely prepared." He added, "I underwent a detailed examination in Venezuela in June, then began rehabilitation after surgery. I plan to participate in a pitching program in Chicago, USA, in September." He further expressed strong determination to return, stating, "If God helps, I will be fully recovered and stand before the Águilas fans by mid-October." While the specific surgical site was not disclosed, given his elbow discomfort, it is assumed he underwent surgery on his elbow.

According to the report, the LVBP 2026–2027 season is expected to open on October 12. If Chirinos successfully regains his physical condition as planned, there is a possibility he could start the team's opening game. Attention is focused on his return to his home league for the first time in three seasons since the 2023–2024 season.

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*This content was translated by AI.