'Just Two Wins,' But An Woo-jin Is Still An Woo-jin → "Next Year Will Be Even Better... It Will Only Get Better," He Is Certain

*This content was translated by AI.

With just two wins so far, An Woo-jin (27, Kiwoom Heroes) is still An Woo-jin.

An Woo-jin, considered one of the KBO League's top aces, has appeared in 16 games this season with a record of 2 wins and 6 losses and an ERA of 3.60. Judging by win totals alone, he may not yet live up to his reputation, but he remains one of the pitchers that opposing teams fear the most.

Seol Jong-jin (53), Kiwoom's manager, expressed confidence during a media meeting at Busan Sajik Stadium for last week's game against Lotte Giants: "We are viewing An Woo-jin positively. He underwent surgery and experienced pain, but he has not reported any discomfort in his shoulder or elbow so far. That alone means there is no problem with carrying him through this season."

Debuting after being selected first overall by Nexen (now Kiwoom) in 2018, An Woo-jin achieved 15 wins (tied for second place) in 2022, won the ERA (2.11) and strikeout (224) double crown, and earned a Gold Glove Award as a pitcher. However, he faced a long layoff due to elbow surgery in 2023, mandatory military service as a social service agent, and shoulder surgery last August.

Nevertheless, after returning to the mound earlier than expected in April this year, he took only a brief break at the end of May due to discomfort in the upper arm muscles but has consistently worked through his rotation. Although he occasionally struggles (allowing six earned runs twice) or receives little support from the lineup, resulting in few wins, evaluations suggest he is gradually regaining his signature power as "An Woo-jin."

Over 73 innings, he has recorded 92 strikeouts, placing him tied for 14th in the league. His batting average against stands at 0.246, and his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) is 1.27; if he completes the required number of innings, these figures would rank fifth and ninth in the league, respectively. Particularly hopeful is that all four of his quality starts this season (six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs) have come in his last eight games since June 12.

The Kiwoom coaching staff is also carefully managing the ace's physical condition. After his return game on April 12, they gradually increased his pitch count over three consecutive starts—1, 2, and 3 innings respectively—and ensured a minimum rest interval of five days between appearances. Originally scheduled to start against Lotte on July 30 following the LG Twins game, he was granted more than ten days of adequate recovery time due to the cancellation caused by extreme heat.

Regarding An Woo-jin, Manager Seol Jong-jin stated firmly: "He hasn't secured many wins yet, but simply making it through the entire starting rotation this season is valuable experience for both An Woo-jin and the team. I believe next year will be better than this one, and things will only continue to improve."

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*This content was translated by AI.