Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League's 'great pitcher' Yang Hyun-jong (KIA Tigers), who boasts a total of 182 wins, overcame a rough patch in March and April and has regained his form this month.

Yang Hyun-jong made six appearances in March and April, finishing with three losses and an earned run average (ERA) of 6.75. So far this month, he has made four appearances, achieving three wins and one loss with an ERA of 1.88. Manager Lee Beom-ho noted Yang's recent performance ahead of the game against the Daegu Samsung Lions on the 23rd.

He said, "He has been throwing harder since the last game. He is confidently stepping up in crucial situations," adding, "In the past, his changeup was often too high, making it difficult to get strikes, but now he is able to get strikes and use it as a decisive pitch."

On the 22nd, Yang Hyun-jong held steady in a difficult situation with consecutive defensive errors against the Suwon KT Wiz, pitching 6 and 2/3 innings, allowing four hits, four walks, striking out four, and giving up three runs (unearned) to secure his third win of the season. Manager Lee said, "There were many early errors, but they were well overcome. I think the balance is now established. I hope he can maintain this pace."

He also analyzed the reasons for his early season struggles, saying, "I only pitched once in spring training, and there was a lack of support from the lineup. There was likely also the pressure of needing to pitch well," and added, "However, with some good pitching in recent games, that burden has likely decreased."

Meanwhile, KIA has received some good news. Left-handed pitcher Lee Eui-ri, who underwent ulnar ligament reconstruction surgery on his left elbow, is scheduled to return to the Futures League mound next week.

Lee Eui-ri, who graduated from Gwangju Ilgo and was KIA's first-round draft pick in 2021, has recorded 26 wins and 22 losses with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.89 in a total of 80 games in the first team, achieving double-digit wins in both 2022 and 2023. He underwent surgery in May last year and has now fully prepared for his comeback after intensive rehabilitation.

Manager Lee expressed his optimism, saying, "Lee Eui-ri is finally set to pitch in a game next week. If he increases his pitch count in the Futures League, we could see him in the first team within a month." He continued, "I don’t expect much after his return, but just being able to fulfill a necessary role is significant. I hope he can pitch steadily without injury moving forward."

Lee Eui-ri is expected to pitch up to 80 pitches in the Futures League before being called up to the first team. Manager Lee stated, "We plan to use him as a starter once he comes up; if we were to use him as a reliever, we could do it right now," expressing his confidence in him.

He also emphasized, "Lee Eui-ri is a rare left-handed starter in the country. His return provides more flexibility in the starting rotation and has significant implications as it gives us another option to end losing streaks." With Yang Hyun-jong's revival and Lee Eui-ri’s impending return, KIA's starting lineup is set to improve.

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