Last May, professional baseball KIA Tigers pitcher Lee Eui-ri, who underwent left elbow ligament reconstruction surgery, is making a comeback. After graduating from Gwangju Il High School, Lee was the first overall pick by KIA in 2021 and has appeared in a total of 80 games in the first team, achieving a record of 26 wins and 22 losses with an earned run average of 3.89. He reached the 10-win milestone in both 2022 and 2023.

On the 23rd, ahead of the Daegu Samsung Lions game, manager Lee Beom-ho, when asked about Lee Eui-ri's current condition, responded with a bright smile, saying, "Finally, next week he will take to the mound in a game. Once he starts pitching in the Futures, I think we will see him within a month."

He added, "I don’t expect much after his return, but having a pitcher who can throw well in that position is a very important part. I hope he can do well without injury until he retires."

Regarding the timing of Lee Eui-ri's return to the first team, he said, "I plan to have him throw up to 80 pitches in Futures games before calling him up to the first team. Once he returns to the first team, I intend to use him as a starter without exception. If I were to use him in relief, I could use him right now."

He continued, "Lee Eui-ri is a very rare left-handed pitcher in South Korea. When Lee returns, I plan to relieve one starting pitcher each time. Having more pitchers capable of breaking a losing streak means a higher probability of achieving winning streaks."

Manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "I don't plan to place an inning limit on Lee Eui-ri this season. If he returns in June, I expect him to pitch around 70 to 80 innings, which shouldn't be a problem. He needs to train his body sufficiently this season to manage a full-time role next year. I believe he will perform well in the training department."

Meanwhile, KIA has formed its starting lineup with shortstop Park Chan-ho, second baseman Yoon Do-hyun, third baseman Kim Do-young, designated hitter Choi Hyoung-woo, first baseman Oh Sun-woo, left fielder Kim Seok-hwan, right fielder Lee Woo-sung, catcher Kim Tae-kyun, and center fielder Park Jeong-woo. Foreign pitcher James Neill is set to make his starting debut.

Neill, who made significant contributions to KIA's combined championship with a record of 12 wins and 5 losses and an earned run average of 2.53 in 26 games last year, is currently recording 3 wins and 1 loss with an earned run average of 2.23 in 10 games this season.

He became the winning pitcher with a performance of 7 innings, 3 hits allowed, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts, and no earned runs against Samsung on April 3.

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