The "King of Gocheok," Alcantara, returns to face LG, effectively delivering normal pitching! Manager says, "Aiming for around 90 pitches; he likely won't throw up to 100."

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' "foreign ace," Raul Alcantara (34), is finally returning to the mound. His comeback opponent will be LG Twins.

Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) met with reporters on the 13th ahead of the home game against LG in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' at Gocheok Sky Dome, located in Guro-gu, Seoul. Regarding Alcantara's comeback start that day, Seol stated, "We are considering a limit of around 90 pitches. He may exceed 90, but he likely won't throw up to 100."

According to Manager Seol, since Alcantara experienced only mild elbow discomfort, there are no concerns about reduced velocity or pitch quality. Without any live pitching sessions or separate exhibition appearances aimed at regaining game sharpness, he is scheduled to take the mound directly in the first division.

However, given that this is his comeback game, the team plans to exercise caution regarding pitch count management. Manager Seol added, "Since there was a history of issues with his elbow, we will continuously monitor his condition each inning and make decisions on mound usage based on pitch counts."

Alcantara's return is expected to provide significant strength to Kiwoom's pitching staff as they aim for a second-half comeback. In 18 games this season, Alcantara has recorded 8 wins, 6 losses, and an ERA of 3.35. He has shown particularly strong performance at his home stadium, Gocheok Dome. In the 11th home games played this season, he posted a record of 4 wins, 4 losses, and an ERA of 2.97, which is even better. His batting average against was also lower at 0.242.

Manager Seol stated, "Every team goes all out in the final game of a series when they are tied 1-1. Since we gained momentum with a comeback victory on the previous day (the 12th), we will focus and deliver a strong performance," vowing to do well.

Meanwhile, Kiwoom set its starting lineup against LG starter Tolhurst as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Hiura (designated hitter), Davison (first baseman), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Choo Jae-hyun (left fielder), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Im Byung-wook (center fielder), Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop), and Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman).

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*This content was translated by AI.