Promising Samsung Lions pitcher Won Tae-in and Hanwha Eagles standout Moon Dong-ju have been ruled out of Korea’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) preliminary team due to injuries sustained during November training camp preparations.
Sudden Setbacks for Top Prospects
Won Tae-in, a highly anticipated outer wild card candidate, suffered a forearm injury during Samsung’s first-team spring camp. Despite no issues in Japan’s sidearm ace preliminary camp, pain emerged post-open practice. He underwent surgery in Korea, diagnosed with a grade 1 sprain requiring about one month of recovery. Officials expect him to resume pitching 2-3 weeks after healing, pending condition checks.
Moon Dong-ju faces similar timing challenges during his recovery, amplifying concerns for the national squad. While neither injury proves severe long-term, the occurrences coincide with critical WBC timelines, marking a major blow.
Roster Adjustments and Broader Injury Wave
Won Tae-in’s absence registers as a ‘super ace’ loss for the preliminary team amid an injury surge. LG Twins bolstered their bullpen by recruiting Yo Won Yu Young-chan. The WBC preliminary roster, capped at 30 entries, already contends with inner pitcher Kim Ha-seong and Song Seung-mun sidelined from Italy matches.
In Arizona, NC Dinos’ Kim Hyung-jun encountered a fluke injury during camp. On January 20 afternoon, Asia qualifier selected players convened for their first team meeting, underscoring ongoing adjustments.
National Team Director Addresses Challenges
Director Ryu Ji-hyun announced the WBC final roster during a February 6 press conference. He emphasized evaluating current player styles, maximizing 15-member activity through broad direction.
“In one game, selected players can rise from 2 to 3 names,” Ryu stated. “If a player underperforms in the first round, it becomes their injury—timing aside. Even before the 5th round, some get exposed, so we must reveal those dynamics. By position, comprehensively arrange players for key strengthening. With all 15 candidates in top condition, calculations allow winning 4 games.”
Ryu highlighted performance over nationality, noting foreign talents like those from the KBO’s big leaguers and Seattle’s Wittken join efforts. Yet, reliable locals remain scarce. Injuries to non-flashy bullpen arms like LG’s Yo Won prove equally vital, with every game demanding sustained performance.
The director stressed selecting standout performers capable of entry boosts, positioning these pitcher losses as clear risk factors. Korea eyes ‘super ace’ replacements amid hopes for depth, with the team expanding to 8 bullpen spots for greater firepower.
On February 20 afternoon, Asia national team players, including Moon Dong-ju and Ryu Hyun-jin, held their first full integration meeting, signaling focused recovery pushes.
