KIA Tigers pitcher Lee Eui-ri, 23, has finally made his first appearance in a real game after completing rehabilitation from elbow surgery.
On the 22nd, he started as the pitcher in a game against the Doosan Bears in the 2025 Futures League at Hampyeong Stadium, recording 2 innings (39 pitches), 2 hits allowed, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts, and 1 earned run (unearned). After finishing his pitching, he threw 15 more pitches in the bullpen.
Lee Eui-ri, who underwent ligament reconstruction surgery on his left elbow last June, returned to the field after a year for rehabilitation games. The last game he played was on May 29, 2024, against the NC Dinos.
Lee Eui-ri allowed the leadoff batter Lee Han-byeol to reach base on a full count walk in the first inning. He then permitted Jeon Da-min to steal second base. However, with no outs and a runner on second, he struck out Jeon Da-min on the sixth pitch, while Park Gye-geom was also struck out looking on the eighth pitch in a full count. Kim Dae-han ended the inning with a strikeout on the third pitch, resulting in a "Samjin".
In the second inning, he allowed a single to the leadoff batter Ryu Hyun-joon. Then, he gave up a right-field double to Jang Gyu-bin. At this point, due to an error by the right fielder, the runner on first advanced to third and scored. The right fielder Jeong Hae-won was replaced by Kim Jae-hyun.
Lee Eui-ri got Cheon Hyeon-jae out on a fly ball to center field with no outs and a runner on second, and he struck out Shin Min-cheol on three pitches. He ended the inning by getting Lee Seon-woo out on a foul fly ball to third base. He handled all three subsequent batters with ground outs, so the one run allowed became an unearned run.
On this day, Lee Eui-ri threw 21 fastballs, 8 changeups, 7 sliders, and 3 curves. His fastest fastball reached 151 km/h, with an average of 146 km/h. The sliders were clocked at 138-131 km/h, with an average of 134 km/h. The changeups were at 134-130 km/h, with an average of 132 km/h. The curves ranged from 128-124 km/h.
Lee Beom-ho, the coach, said on the 22nd in Incheon, "The speed was fine, and he threw a lot of strikes. There were no special issues after pitching. I think he is doing well right now. He seems to be preparing well."
He added, "I think he will rest for about 4 or 5 days and then pitch again. We will monitor his condition in between and do some stretching or other activities, and after 4-5 days, I think we will set the pitching schedule."
Including this appearance, Lee Eui-ri plans to pitch in 4 games in the Futures League. Coach Lee stated, "I have scheduled 4 starts. I think the last start will be around the time the first half ends. If things continue as they are now, I plan to bring him up to the first team in the second half."
The pitch count will be gradually increased by 15 pitches each time, starting from 40, then 55, and finally 70. Coach Lee mentioned, "In the end, he will throw 75 pitches, and complete 90 in the bullpen. If he feels fine then, we will think about bringing him up."
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