The schedule for the return game of Samsung Lions ace Denny Reyes has been set.
Samsung manager Park Jin-man said that Reyes will return to the game against Daegu NC on the 27th, ahead of the game against the NC Dinos on the 25th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
Reyes became the losing pitcher after starting against KT in Suwon on the 13th, recording 2 innings, 7 hits, 2 walks, and 5 runs. The game was briefly suspended due to bad weather, including hail and strong winds, while Reyes was on the mound in the bottom of the 1st inning. Although the delay lasted about 8 minutes, he experienced shoulder issues when he returned to pitch afterward.
During this year's spring camp, he had a slow recovery due to a stress fracture in the right metatarsal, and after returning, he experienced shoulder inflammation once again after just 3 games. This year, Reyes has a record of 2 wins, 1 loss, and an earned run average (ERA) of 4.50 (14 innings, 7 earned runs).
Reyes was originally scheduled to start against KIA in Daegu on the 24th. However, the game on the 22nd was canceled due to rain, delaying the starting pitchers' schedules by a day. It seemed that the game against Daegu NC on the 25th would be his return game. However, Reyes appeared to be cautious during the preparation process. Manager Park Jin-man noted, 'He still feels some anxiety, so we will decide on the return timing after bullpen pitching.'
That day, Reyes completed his bullpen pitching as scheduled, and manager Park confirmed his return on the 27th. Park said, 'We did the final TEST today, and he seems to be in good condition. The pitching coaches said he looks fine, so he is expected to pitch against NC on Sunday (the 27th).'
Still, Manager Park is also being cautious. 'He might be able to relax for a moment, but we'll have to see how he feels after pitching on Sunday. He says he feels fine now, but we don’t know what variables could arise. The condition of his body after pitching is important,' he stated. In the return game on the 27th, Reyes is expected to pitch 5 innings, throwing about 80 pitches.
That day, Samsung fielded a starting lineup consisting of Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Kim Sung-yoon (right fielder), Koo Ja-wook (left fielder), Diaz (designated hitter), Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Park Byung-ho (first baseman), Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), and Lee Byeong-heon (catcher). The starting pitcher was Kim Dae-ho.
Starting catcher Kang Min-ho was rested for conditioning purposes and will be available as a pinch hitter in the later innings.
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