'Major setback for KIA': An Woo-jin returns to first division, throws around 100 pitches in essentially normal outing! Manager says, "Even if a crisis arises, we will try to entrust everything to him as much as possible"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes, aiming to break their five-game losing streak, will go all out with their ace An Woo-jin leading the charge. In his return game, An Woo-jin is scheduled to perform a normal starting role without any pitch count restrictions.

On the 22nd, Kiwoom will start An Woo-jin on the mound against KIA Tigers in the '2026 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League' match held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul. This season, An Woo-jin has recorded 17 games (78 innings), 2 wins, 6 losses, and an ERA of 3.69. In his previous outing against LG, he pitched five innings, allowing two hits, four walks, striking out three batters, and giving up two runs to fine-tune his condition.

In a pre-game meeting with reporters, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) previewed An Woo-jin's pitch count for his return game, indicating around 100 pitches in a normal outing. The manager stated, "The pitch count will be around 100; it could go slightly higher if needed." He added, "As the starting pitcher, even if a crisis arises, we hope he can handle most situations himself and finish his innings before coming down. Depending on the situation, he might throw a bit more," expressing firm trust in him.

The manager also outlined plans for roster changes and bullpen operations on this day. Park Ji-sung and Choi Hyun-woo were removed from the active roster, while An Woo-jin (starter) and Lee Kang-jun were added. Regarding Lee Kang-jun, Manager Seol explained, "He is experiencing no pain in his surgical area and his velocity has returned to normal. While we will avoid back-to-back appearances, we plan to use him in short one-inning stints in comfortable situations to handle middle relief roles." In the position players' lineup, a change was made by starting Eo Jun-seo at third base, who has consistently played there in the Futures League, replacing Kim Woong-bin, who had started as designated hitter the previous day.

Currently, Kiwoom sits in 10th place with a record of 40 wins, 72 losses, and 2 ties (winning percentage 0.357). They suffered a decisive 1-11 defeat in their previous game, falling into a five-game losing streak. Meanwhile, KIA holds an overwhelming advantage in head-to-head matchups with 10 wins and 2 losses.

On the other hand, third-place KIA (60 wins, 48 losses, 2 ties) will start ace Adam Oller, who recorded one earned run over seven innings in his previous game against Doosan. Oller has a record of 11 wins and 8 losses this season with an ERA of 3.15. Backed by offensive firepower from Kim Ho-ryeong and Na Sung-beom, both of whom hit home runs in their last game, KIA aims for a seven-game winning streak.

For today's game, Kiwoom set its starting lineup against KIA starter Oller as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Chu Jae-hyun (left fielder), Davison (designated hitter), An Chi-hong (first baseman), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Kim Keon-hee (catcher), Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop), Eo Jun-seo (third baseman), and Park Ju-hong (center fielder).

It remains to be seen whether Kiwoom, trapped in a five-game losing slump, can find a turning point against their nemesis KIA by relying on the responsible performance of ace An Woo-jin.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.