The professional baseball team Hanwha Eagles has reinforcements returning to the infield. Moreover, there are two of them.

Free agent shortstop Shim Woo-jun, who signed a 5 billion won deal, has recovered from his knee injury and conducted live batting practice. He could join the first team as early as next weekend. Additionally, Park Jung-hyun, a former home run king in the Futures League, will be discharged on the 17th and join the first team.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon said on the 13th, "There is good news. Woo-jun is almost recovered, and he practiced live batting today," and noted, "We will practice tomorrow, and when we go to Busan, he will go to the second team. I told him to take it slow and not rush into games too soon, but to gradually get back into it."

He added, "If everything goes well after playing in the second team, we will call him back when we return home and set a date for him to play in the game." Hanwha will play against LG this weekend, followed by a series against Busan Lotte (17th-19th), and a home match against Kiwoom (20th-22nd). Shim Woo-jun may return to the first team for the Kiwoom game.

During the last winter, Hanwha acquired free agent Shim Woo-jun for a maximum of 5 billion won over four years for infield reinforcement. He suffered an injury to his left knee when hit by a pitch (145 km) during a game against Kiwoom on May 10th. He missed the following game on the 11th and was excluded from the first team roster on the 12th.

At that time, the Hanwha organization stated, "Shim Woo-jun underwent two hospital examinations. The results of the detailed examination diagnosed a fracture of the fibula in his left knee, requiring about two weeks of rest and approximately four weeks until he can resume normal training."

Shim Woo-jun has played in 33 games this season, recording a batting average of .170 (16 hits in 94 at-bats), one home run, nine RBIs, and ten runs scored. While his batting average is low, he has contributed significantly in defense and base running. In Shim Woo-jun's absence, Ha Ju-suk and Lee Do-yoon have been filling the shortstop position.

There is also Park Jung-hyun, who is returning after completing his military service. Manager Kim Kyung-moon noted, "In fact, I have a friend I am expecting, who is being discharged from the military," referring to Park Jung-hyun.

Park Jung-hyun enlisted in the military after the 2023 season and will be discharged on the 17th. Last year, he had a batting average of .313 (110 hits in 352 at-bats) in 91 games in the Futures League, earning the title of home run king.

Manager Kim stated, "Last year, he was hitting really well, but he suffered a hamstring injury this year. Right now, he cannot participate in games, but I think our infield needs to become a bit more solid. I plan to bring in Woo-jun and practice with Park Jung-hyun. We will evaluate defense, throws, and base running, and make decisions based on that."

This year, he has played in 12 games, recording a batting average of .143 (4 hits in 28 at-bats). He participated in the Futures League game against Lotte on the 11th and 12th.

Park Jung-hyun plans to join the Busan expedition immediately after being discharged on the 17th. "I still need to practice more. I plan to include him in the first team and observe how he prepared and what he brings to the team," he added.

[OSEN]