"It must be May."
SSG Landers manager Lee Soong-yong has set the timing for a complete roster at May. Mitch White will return to the starting rotation next week. The five-man starting lineup will be fully operational. However, the return of key player Choi Jeong, who is currently injured, has been postponed. Choi must return for the team to compete at full strength.
Choi Jeong suffered a hamstring injury during spring training and will not join the opening game. Following diligent training, he underwent a thorough examination on the 10th, but the assessment indicated he is not in perfect condition. The pain has not completely subsided, so the return date has been pushed back. Above all, the player himself is greatly disappointed.
On the 13th, before the game against the KIA Tigers in Gwangju, manager Lee said, "The starting lineup will be fully operational next week, but we are missing key players. We don’t have the 3rd and 4th hitters. By May, everything will be fine," expressing his regret. Guillermo Heredia has also been out of the lineup since the 11th to remove a cyst. The team has been competing without two key hitters.
Regarding Choi Jeong's return schedule, he explained, "He trained well and was examined, but the results did not come back at 100%, which was a big disappointment for him. I talked to the trainer, and he said to rest until this week. For now, he must not have any pain. We’ll check again on Tuesday. He must be feeling the most frustrated."
Hearing that Kim Do-young, who is also sidelined with a hamstring injury, is currently playing without any issues, he noted, "Choi Jeong also had a Grade 1 injury. They usually say it takes four weeks, but the muscles and tendons might be different. The tendon area is more sensitive. At the time of his injury, Kim could not walk, while Choi was able to walk, yet his recovery is slower. The injury was significantly influenced by the weather; spring training was done in cold conditions," expressing his disappointment.
SSG has a record of 9 wins and 5 losses, placing them second in the league. Despite poor scoring ability, the starting pitchers and bullpen have held up, supported by solid defense, resulting in positive performance. Manager Lee explained, "Even amid difficulties, the players have united around Gwang-hyeon. They are giving their best in games, more than expected. There is a strong desire to win and a visible unity among the players."
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