The NC Dinos veteran Lee Yong-chan (36) may not return until June.

The NC team announced on the 12th that "Lee Yong-chan underwent a hospital examination for shoulder pain at the end of April and joined the rehabilitation squad due to inflammation."

Currently, Lee Yong-chan has put down the ball. The team reported, "He is undergoing rest and physical therapy. Depending on his condition, he is expected to begin technical training from late May to early June."

Lee Yong-chan has a career record of 560 games with 64 wins, 71 losses, 173 saves, 9 holds, and an earned run average of 3.91. He ranks 9th in all-time saves. Lee Yong-chan, who signed a maximum $27 million (3+1 year) free agent contract with NC during the 2021 season, has recorded an impressive performance over four seasons until last year with 215 games, 11 wins, 19 losses, 83 saves, 5 holds, and an earned run average of 3.72.

However, he struggled with the worst slump of his career last year, finishing with 57 games, 3 wins, 9 losses, 16 saves, 2 holds, and an earned run average of 6.13. He faced adversity ahead of his second free agent season.

Ultimately, Lee Yong-chan faced setbacks in both free agent seasons. Prior to the start of this year's spring training, he signed a maximum $10 million (2+1 year) contract (with a signing bonus of $1 million, guaranteed amount of $3 million, and options of $6 million). This year, he prepared for the season as a starting pitcher rather than as a closer. However, he suffered from left hamstring pain during the exhibition games and was unable to join the opening day starting rotation. He returned on April 13 against Lotte but left a disappointing mark in his starting return with 2 innings, 4 hits, 3 walks, 2 hit-by-pitches, 2 strikeouts, and 5 earned runs.

On April 20 against Hanwha, he recorded 4 innings, 5 hits (1 home run), 5 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs, followed by 3⅔ innings, 4 hits, 5 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 3 earned runs against Samsung on the 26th before being taken out. In the game against Samsung, Lee Yong-chan injured his fingernail while attempting to catch a ball and was immediately removed from the first team roster the next day.

Ultimately, Lee Yong-chan was placed on the injured list, and with the emergence of shoulder pain, the timeline for his return to the first team was pushed back. Manager Lee Ho-jun has indicated that he will use Lee Yong-chan as a bullpen pitcher upon his return.

Currently, the NC Dinos are on a 7-game winning streak and have risen to 4th in the league, but the bullpen still lacks experience. The presence of Lee Yong-chan, who can contribute both quality and quantity as well as experience, is needed, but it appears they will have to wait for him to recover.

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