The winning pitcher, who was injured in the side just before the season opener, has finally started the process of returning.

Doosan Bears manager Lee Seung-yup met with reporters on the 30th ahead of the 5th match of the season against KT Wiz, which will be held at Seoul's Jamsil Stadium, and conveyed the good news that "Kwak-bin seems likely to return by May."

Kwak-bin took a final mock test before the opening against the Goyang Heroes in the Futures League on March 19. He faced 18 batters over 5 innings, allowing 1 hit, striking out 6, giving up 3 walks, and throwing 69 pitches without allowing a run. He showcased a fastball reaching a maximum speed of 149 km/h, complemented by curveballs, sliders, and changeups, finishing preparations to make his third game appearance after the opening.

However, misfortune struck when he sustained an injury during the game. While pitching against the Goyang lineup, he felt pain in his left side, and on the 20th, a hospital examination revealed the shocking diagnosis that his internal oblique muscle had sustained partial damage.

Kwak-bin has been rehabilitating for more than a month since failing to make the opening roster. Now, the end of the rehabilitation tunnel is gradually coming into view. Manager Lee Seung-yup noted, "I received a report that Kwak-bin is scheduled to do half-pitching this weekend. However, as a starting pitcher, he needs to pitch, increase his pitch count, and build his stamina. So it will take a bit of time. Fortunately, it’s an injury to his side and not his elbow, so that’s a relief. I hear he also increased the intensity of his training today with no unusual issues. While the call-up date has not been decided yet, I think he will return by May."

Meanwhile, Hong Geon-hee, who suffered an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow just before the opening, is expected to return sooner than Kwak-bin. Manager Lee Seung-yup said, "Hong Geon-hee pitched his first bullpen session today. He will do another bullpen session this weekend and check his condition."

On the other hand, Doosan has set its starting lineup for the game against KT's left-handed starter Emanuel de Jesus, which includes Jung Soo-bin (center fielder), Jake Cave (right fielder), Yang Eui-ji (catcher), Kim Jae-hwan (left fielder), Kim Gi-yeon (designated hitter), Yang Seok-hwan (first baseman), Park Jun-young (shortstop), Oh Myung-jin (second baseman), and Kang Seung-ho (third baseman).

Last year, Kim Gi-yeon had a batting average of .375 (3 hits from 8 at-bats) against Heisus from Kiwoom, and he will be part of the cleanup trio. Kang Seung-ho plans to improve his hitting from the 9th spot in consecutive games.

Manager Lee Seung-yup explained, "Kim Gi-yeon's condition is good, but there aren’t many opportunities for him to play because Yang Eui-ji is catching. Today, I placed him 5th against the left-handed Heisus due to his good history against him." He added, "Kang Seung-ho is working hard. He must be quite frustrated. Kang Seung-ho needs to regain his condition for the team to strengthen. He’s a player who must bounce back, which is why I keep sending him to games. We'll have to wait and see."

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