Kiwoom Heroes ace pitcher An Woo-jin has fully recovered and lines up for his next outing. After a tough performance against the Lotte Giants at home, the right-hander returns to the mound. The Doosan Bears await the challenge on May 1 at Gocheok Sky Dome.
Manager’s Rotation Reveal
Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin confirmed the plan following the Lotte series at Sajik Stadium. He announced that Baek Dong-hyun draws the first start, with An Woo-jin following in the rotation. “Baek Dong-hyun goes first, then An Woo-jin,” Seol stated publicly.
Recent Build-Up and Stats
An Woo-jin returned from a September injury on April 12 against Lotte at Gocheok, navigating one inning with one run allowed. The Heroes paired him in a 1+1 setup initially with Baek Dong-hyun. Subsequent starts included two innings versus KT on the 18th and three innings against Samsung on the 24th, totaling six innings with two earned runs over three appearances.
The next turn shifts directly to An Woo-jin for a single start, aiming to ramp up his workload. Seol noted, “After the coaching staff meeting and training session, Baek leads off before An steps up. His build-up progresses smoothly, though more innings remain key to full readiness.”
Upcoming Schedule
Kiwoom faces Lotte in a three-game set through the 30th, featuring starters Alcantara, Oh Seok-ju, and Baek Dong-hyun. An Woo-jin takes the hill May 1 versus Doosan. Ha Young-min earned a win on the 2nd, while Park Joon-hyun rejoins on the 3rd.
Park Joon-hyun’s Strong Return
Park Joon-hyun delivered a scoreless five-inning gem against Samsung on the 26th despite nursing an injury. Seol praised, “He managed the dosage well but still showed two-game weight in recovery. Even in the finale, his poker face and adjustments reflected a solid mindset.”
The rotation strengthens Kiwoom’s depth this week with six capable arms. If Park slots in, Alcantara shifts to backup role. Seol added, “Alcantara secured another win today (28th). He was slated for the 4th but sits for injury prevention.”
Foreign Pitcher Boost
Replacement foreign arm Logan Berge joins from Busan, bolstering the staff alongside Weiss. Kiwoom’s selections now run deeper. Seol emphasized, “Logan covers the long haul where Park is essential. Oh Seok-ju lacks extensive starts, so prudent rotation management ensures sustainability.”
