'Hand fracture to side injury': Two-digit home run hitter returns for sixth consecutive year; manager deliberately delayed return 'Why on earth?'

*This content was translated by AI.

KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) deliberately delayed the return of veteran Jang Sung-woo (36).

On the 18th, ahead of the match against Jamsil LG Twins, Manager Lee Kang-cheol shared recent updates: "Jang Sung-woo visited the hospital today. While the injured area is fine, he mentioned that the area behind it feels a bit ambiguous."

Jang Sung-woo was placed on the injured list on the 29th due to an internal oblique muscle strain. At the time of examination, about four weeks of rehabilitation were expected, and his return was anticipated sooner than initially projected. According to KT club officials, today's checkup revealed a 90% recovery rate. Jang Sung-woo has been undergoing technical training alongside on-field adaptation drills and could potentially return as early as this week.

However, the manager remained cautious. Manager Lee Kang-cheol emphasized: "It doesn't seem possible within three days. Regardless, the expanded roster takes effect next week (August 25). If he recovers in three days, it would be better for him to join when the roster expands. If he gets injured again now, his season would be completely over. That's why we're considering waiting until next week to ensure a more certain return." Fortunately, KT's batting lineup continues to burn brightly even without Jang Sung-woo. As of August, KT ranks second in team batting average (0.281) and OPS (0.795), maintaining first place in the league.

More anxiety surrounds foreign investor Sam Hilleryard (33)'s upcoming maternity leave. His wife, currently pregnant with their second child, is approaching delivery. Hilleryard has been a cornerstone of KT's offense this season, posting a .303 batting average (122 hits in 403 at-bats), 30 home runs, 96 RBIs, and 80 runs scored across 103 games, with an on-base percentage of 0.373, slugging percentage of 0.581, and OPS of 0.954.

Manager Lee Kang-cheol joked: "Hilleryard wants to take maternity leave. In Changwon, the baby hasn't arrived yet; they're waiting in Seoul. If Hilleryard disappears, you'd think he just had a child," as he burst into hearty laughter.

Frankly, we hope Hilleryard can at least play through this three-game series against Jamsil. This season, Hilleryard has delivered his best performance at Jamsil, batting .440 (22 hits in 50 at-bats) with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 12 games. He also performed exceptionally well against LG, hitting .327 (17 hits in 52 at-bats) with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 12 games.

Manager Lee Kang-cheol shared his honest feelings: "Hilleryard has fond memories of his first experience at Jamsil. He also performed well during the first four-game series in the second half. Players often have stadiums where they see the ball better. Hilleryard said he'd like to play at Jamsil again. I hope we can hold this three-game series there as well."

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*This content was translated by AI.