43-year-old veteran stunned by sudden departure of 'closer' → Choi Hyeong-woo: "It was unsettling, but we remain steady; there are plenty of players who can fill the gap"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Even the 43rd-year-old top veteran, who has weathered every kind of battle, could not help but be stunned by the news of the emergency departure of the key closer guarding the back end of the game. However, true to his role as a veteran anchoring the team's center, he quickly regained his composure and expressed strong confidence in his teammates who would fill the void.

Amidst the cancellation due to rain of the 2026 KBO postseason Playoffs showdown between Samsung Lions and KIA Tigers, which was scheduled to be held on the 25th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Samsung veteran batter Choi Hyeong-woo shared his candid feelings when meeting with reporters regarding the injury withdrawal of closer Kim Jae-yoon.

Previously, the Samsung club officially announced that a detailed MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) examination conducted on Kim Jae-yoon the previous day (the 24th) confirmed damage to the right anterior serratus muscle and fascia. According to the examination findings, micro-hemorrhages were observed along the fascia, and the extent of the damage corresponds to 'Grade 1 (Stage 1).' While avoiding the worst-case scenario of a rupture, medical staff diagnosed that at least two weeks of absolute rest and recovery are necessary.

The anterior serratus is a critical area connecting the rib bones and the scapula, supporting strong rotational force and scapular stability during pitching. It is not a site where one can take the pitcher's mound with simple pain management, and given that at least two weeks of complete rest are unavoidable, it has become physically impossible for him to appear on the stage of this Playoffs series, which is played as a short-term tournament. He was also unable to make the Playoffs roster.

Kim Jae-yoon's departure is a fatal blow to Samsung in itself. This season, Kim Jae-yoon appeared in 64 games, recording 7 wins, 5 losses, 35 saves, and an ERA of 3.22, playing a vital role as a reliable guarantee of victory and a solid closer for the Samsung pitching staff. The team has faced a major setback, having to fight the Playoffs without their most certain closing card in the razor-thin battles of autumn baseball.

Regarding this, Choi Hyeong-woo confessed, "Honestly, I was a bit taken aback when I found out yesterday." Even for a veteran who has experienced numerous autumn baseball campaigns, the sudden departure of the starting closer could only be received as a shock.

However, the surprise was brief. Emphasizing team unity, Choi Hyeong-woo shook his head firmly. He stated, "Nevertheless, there is no overall drop in morale or anything like that; everyone is doing well," and stressed, "Jae-yoon's absence is significant, but other young players will fill it in sufficiently, so the team atmosphere is not greatly shaken."

It was a passage reflecting an unshaken locker room atmosphere even in crisis and firm confidence in the skills of his fellow pitchers.

He also showed strong self-confidence regarding his physical condition and batting feel. Choi Hyeong-woo emphasized, "The feeling of instability I had at the end of the season has disappeared," adding, "I think I can execute the swings I want to make sufficiently." In response to reporters' questions about the possibility of him playing defense in the latter half of games, he laughed and said, "It's hard enough going out first, but if I go out later, my legs tremble. It's outside my domain." He then added, "We have a sufficient chance of winning with the current lineup. Is there really a need to send me out for defense?" lightening the on-site atmosphere with his characteristic witty remarks.

Even amidst the major setback of the unexpected departure of their key closer, Samsung remains unshaken. The composed attitude of top veteran Choi Hyeong-woo, who has experienced it all, and his solid belief in his teammates are supporting the team's steps toward the autumn stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original