*This content was translated by AI.
From LG Twins' perspective, a somewhat burdensome setback has occurred. This is because Raul Alcantara (34), Kiwoom's key foreign "ace" who had been sidelined due to injury, has confirmed his return on the 13th (Thursday), which happens to be the final game of this series against LG.
Seol Jong-jin (53), manager of Kiwoom, met with reporters at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, on the 11th ahead of their matchup against LG Twins in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League," and explained the starting rotation following the heatwave break.
The most notable news is Alcantara's return timing. Manager Seol Jong-jin stated, "Alcantara's injury has almost fully recovered. We were originally told he could pitch last Sunday (the 9th), but after consultation, we decided it would be better for him to rest an additional 2–3 days, so he is scheduled to start on Thursday (the 13th)." Given that the injury was minor, there are no concerns about reduced velocity or command. As a result, LG now faces the burden of having to face a top-tier foreign starting pitcher in their three-game series against Kiwoom.
On the other hand, the LG starting pitcher Kiwoom must face on the 11th is also formidable. Carlos KARA, a veteran with 112 career wins in Major League Baseball newly signed by LG, shocked the KBO League with a perfect seven-inning debut performance. Regarding KARA, who throws unfamiliar yet highly polished pitches, Manager Seol expressed confidence, saying, "The analysis team must have prepared very well." He added, "If they can avoid being fooled by decoy pitches and make solid contact with balls inside the strike zone, we should be able to put on a good game."
On this day, Kiwoom set its starting lineup against KARA as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Choo Jae-hyun (left fielder), Davison (first baseman), Hira (designated hitter), Kim Woong-bin (third baseman), Kim Keun-hee (catcher), Im Byung-wook (center fielder), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), and Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop). Kiwoom's starting pitcher is right-handed An Woo-jin.
Regarding whether ace An Woo-jin will make two appearances per week (with an additional appearance on Sunday), the manager remained cautious. Manager Seol stated, "An Woo-jin has never pitched after four days of rest and has a history of injuries. After today's appearance, we will closely monitor his physical condition tomorrow before deciding whether he will pitch on Sunday," emphasizing that player protection is the top priority.
Meanwhile, Kiwoom also made roster changes on this day. Outfielder Lee Hyung-jong was sent down to the minor league team, while infielder Im Ji-yeol, who received positive reports from the Futures League team, and foreign hitter Hira were both called up to the first division. Manager Seol explained, "Lee Hyung-jong is not injured; this move is for conditioning and rest purposes. We plan to actively utilize Im Ji-yeol, who has been given an opportunity. While Hira's defense may be somewhat challenging, his batting ability is solid." Ha Young-min, who is recovering from a hip injury, is also showing improvement in treatment, with the possibility of returning as early as this weekend kept open.
After recharging during the All-Star break and heatwave rest period, it remains to be seen whether Kiwoom, bolstered by the return of injured players, can overcome LG's "KARA card" and successfully turn the tide in their performance.
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*This content was translated by AI.
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