The Lotte bullpen has been anxiously waiting for Choi Jun-yong, who has finally begun the process of returning to the first team.

Lotte Giants manager Kim Tai-hyung mentioned the right-handed setup man Choi Jun-yong's return timeline during a meeting with reporters on the 10th, ahead of the second game of the doubleheader against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League.

Choi Jun-yong, who once made a name as a setup man with 20 holds, underwent surgery on his right shoulder in August of last year and was ruled out for the season. After continuing steady rehabilitation, he participated normally in spring camp, but this time suffered a right elbow ligament injury, halting his return process.

With Lotte having played 39 games since the season began, news of Choi Jun-yong's return has finally come. Manager Kim Tai-hyung noted, "Recently, I received reports that he was throwing well. Now, it seems we need to evaluate him in the Futures League games."

So, can Choi Jun-yong return to the first team within May? Manager Kim Tai-hyung expressed optimism, saying, "I think we will be able to see him within this month."

Meanwhile, on the 8th, Lotte informed setup man Koo Seung-min, who had struggled with a record of 1 loss and 1 hold in 5 games with an earned run average of 14.73, that he would be sent to the second team. While Jeong Cheol-won, Jeong Hyun-soo, and Kim Sang-soo are struggling in front of Kim Won-jung, Jeong Cheol-won's earned run average has been in the 6 range, and the other players are gradually showing signs of being overworked. Lotte's bullpen earned run average has dropped to 8th place (5.82). This is why news of Choi Jun-yong's return is more welcome than ever.

On the other hand, following the rain cancellation of the first game of the doubleheader, Lotte has set its lineup against KT's starting pitcher Koh Young Technology, consisting of Yun Dong-hee (right fielder), Ko Seung-min (second baseman), Victor Reyes (left fielder), Na Seung-yeop (first baseman), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Son Ho-young (third baseman), Yoo Kang-nam (catcher), Jang Du-seong (center fielder), and Lee Ho-jun (shortstop). The starting pitcher will be Na Gyeon-an.

Pitcher Hong Min-ki and catcher Son Seong-bin joined the first team through the special doubleheader roster.

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