Infielder Choi Jeong of the professional baseball team SSG Landers, who could not be named in the opening roster of the regular season due to a right hamstring injury, received a diagnosis that the injury area has fully recovered after a thorough examination. However, it is expected to take some time before his return to the first team.
Choi Jeong injured his right hamstring during defensive training in an exhibition game against the 'defending champion' KIA Tigers on the 17th of last month and has focused on treatment and rehabilitation training. According to SSG, Choi Jeong underwent a precise examination of his right hamstring on the 10th and confirmed that the muscle area has fully recovered.
However, it seems that it will take longer than expected for him to return to the first team. A club official noted, "Currently, there is some irritation and pain in the hip area, so we plan to proceed with a step-by-step recovery program for more stable conditions." Accordingly, Choi Jeong will maintain low-intensity training for the time being and will schedule high-intensity training and future game participation based on the recovery of stimulation.
Ahead of the match against Daegu Samsung on the 10th, coach Lee Seung-yong said, "We need to observe further. It seems to take longer than expected." A return to the first team this month also appears to be difficult. With the team's offense somewhat stagnant, coach Lee Seung-yong, who is keenly aware of Choi Jeong's absence, expressed his disappointment, saying, "It is definitely significant that Choi Jeong is not here."
Foreign pitcher Drew Anderson delivered his best pitching performance of the season in the match against Daegu Samsung on the 9th. With a maximum speed of 156 km/h and a variety of breaking balls, he set a new personal game-high in innings and strikeouts with 7 innings, 1 earned run, and 13 strikeouts.
Coach Lee Seung-yong showed satisfaction, stating, "The performance analysis team found the cause of Anderson's decrease in velocity. Watching him pitch yesterday, it looked like last year's stuff. His velocity was about 4 to 5 km/h higher than his previous appearance, and the power of his breaking balls improved as well."
Anderson, who left for maternity leave in Hiroshima, Japan, will start on the 15th against the Hanwha Eagles. Coach Lee Seung-yong said, "He needs to perform better after returning (from Japan). The prices of formula and diapers are not cheap," expressing hopes for a formula boost.
Meanwhile, SSG arranged their lineup with center fielder Choi Ji-hoon, second baseman Jung Joon-jae, designated hitter Eredia, right fielder Han Yoo-seom, first baseman Ko Myung-jun, catcher Lee Ji-young, shortstop Park Sung-han, left fielder Oh Tae-gon, and third baseman Park Ji-hwan. Left-handed ace Kim Kwang-hyun will take the starting mound.
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