"I will postpone the action for 2 weeks."
Lee Yi-ri, who underwent elbow surgery and has been rehabilitating steadily for the KIA Tigers, has temporarily postponed his return to action. The reason was the discovery of elbow inflammation.
KIA stated, "Before the return to action, we conducted a final MRI examination. Elbow inflammation was observed, so we postponed the action for about 2 weeks. After completely treating the inflammation, he will take the mound in action."
Additionally, they noted, "It is not serious. After undergoing elbow surgery, this is one of the processes that can occur. It is not about going back to step-by-step pitching. After treating the inflammation, we will prepare for the return to action."
Lee Yi-ri was scheduled to take the mound by the end of this month. He completed all step-by-step pitching, including bullpen pitching. Only the action remained, but slight inflammation occurred during the final check process, prompting the postponement to ensure a perfect return.
Lee Yi-ri underwent ligament reconstruction surgery on his elbow in June last year. He has had a smooth rehabilitation, throwing a ball at 146 km/h during the spring camp in February and recently in live pitching with the Futures team.
If he manages to return to action by the end of this month, he was expected to return to the first team around mid-June. With the postponement of action, the return is now delayed. He is expected to stand on the first team mound around the end of June or early July.
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