Injured Pitchers Returns One after Another

Throughout this season, Doosan Manager Kim In-Sik has been tormented with the injured pitchers as if they have been caught with the infectious diseases. Luckily, the team has maintained the third place thanks to the active batting line-up to secure a berth of the playoffs, but he could not help being worried with the collapsed pitching staffs.

However, Manager Kim is regaining the composure nowadays, because the pitchers who have injured off are recovering their normal conditions at the last stage of this season.

Park Myong-Hwan, who was sent to the second team in July because of his shoulder injury, will return to the first team in this week and start to adjust himself to the game as a middleman, preparing for the playoffs. Park had earned 6 wins in the first half of the season, which was the team`s best record. He is now ready for the fruitful finish of the season, shaking off the aftereffect of the injury. Boosted by a comeback of all-round pitcher Park Myong-Hwan, Doosan is expected to strengthen its power in the playoffs.

Park said, ``Now, I`m in the best condition and am full of confidence after long rest. I will pour out my might in remaining games.``

Another pillar of Doosan bullpen, Koo Ja-Woon (21) joined the first team, relieved of his right shoulder injury that has distressed him from May. Koo can feel no symptoms of pain even after throwing 145-km fast balls, and he is expected to take the mound as a starter and to show again his potential that earned 5 wins in the beginning of this season.

LG Choi Hyang-Nam (30), who have been in a disabled list due to the right shoulder surgery at the end of last year, registered to the first team entry on 5th, and made a comeback in game with Samsung on 9th. No one expected for him to play in this season, but he succeeded to return to the mound as a result of the painstaking rehab practice and the fervent fighting spirit. Although he earned three runs for 1 2/3 innings, LG Manager Kim Sung-Keun evaluated that Choi`s outing was successful as a first pitching after the surgery. Manager Kim appraised him, ``Choi showed the greatest desire for a comeback, which stimulated other teammates.``

Having been hospitalized due to the ruptured disk on his waist on June, Hyundai`s closer, Wui Jae-Young (29) is warming up to come back as a top-class fireman. Despite he could not take the mound for a long period, Wui ranked in the fourth place of the save category with 23 save points. He is expected to perform as a credible fireman for Hyundai that had suffered from the slackened bullpen.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com