Rookie pitcher Kim Young-woo of the professional baseball LG Twins has secured a spot on the opening day roster early on. Kim received positive evaluations at the first spring camp in Arizona, USA, and solidified his presence by playing in practice games at the second camp in Okinawa, Japan. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop stated, "Kim Young-woo will be included in the opening day roster."

Kim Young-woo was selected by LG with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 rookie draft. As a right-handed pitcher with a fastball, he drew attention by throwing a top speed of 156 km/h during the high school-university All-Star Game last June. After being selected by LG, he participated in the club's finishing camp last November, where he was recognized for his potential by the coaching staff. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop welcomed pitchers who throw over 150 km/h.

Kim Young-woo garnered more attention due to the injury of free agent pitcher Jang Hyun-sik, who signed for 5.2 billion won. LG's closer Yoo Young-chan underwent surgery after suffering a right elbow injury while representing the team in the Premier 12 tournament last November. Yoo Young-chan is projected to return comfortably in the second half of the season. Jang Hyun-sik prepared for the 2025 season as the closer.

However, Jang Hyun-sik suffered an ankle injury during the spring camp in the U.S., and the MRI examination after he returned revealed a partial tear of the ligaments on the outside of his right foot. There are no issues in the rehabilitation process, and if all goes well, a return for the opening day is expected.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop is testing rookie Kim Young-woo in preparation for the gap left by Jang Hyun-sik's injury. Around the end of the first spring camp in the U.S., LG held an intra-squad game (a 7-inning match). Kim Young-woo took the mound in the last inning of the game, the 7th, recording 1 inning with 1 hit and no runs. He allowed a hit but ended with 8 pitches thanks to an infield ground ball double play. His fastball reached a top speed of 151 km/h.

Kim Young-woo experienced both success and failure in two practice games at the second camp in Okinawa, Japan. He had his first closing test in a practice game against the KIA Tigers on the 27th of last month at the Kintown stadium in Okinawa.

He took the mound in the bottom of the 9th inning, leading 3-1, and finished the game smoothly with 9 pitches, retiring the side in order. He got Hong Jong-pyo to hit a ground ball to the second baseman, dealt with Byeon Woo-hyeok with a fly ball to center field, and handled Kim Seok-hwan with a ground ball to the second baseman. His fastball reached a top speed of 154 km/h, with an average speed of 151 km/h.

However, Kim Young-woo had a bitter experience in a practice game against KT on the 1st. Entering the 9th inning with a score tied at 0-0, Kim Young-woo allowed Cheon Seong-ho to walk. A wild pitch advanced the runner to second base, and he struck out Oh Yoon-seok. With one out and a runner on second, he threw a fastball to Kim Min-hyuk, allowing a two-run home run over the right field wall. He recorded 1/3 inning with 1 hit, 1 walk, and 2 earned runs before being replaced.

Nevertheless, Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop believes in Kim Young-woo's potential and chances for success. He stated that Kim Young-woo will be included in the opening day roster.

It was decided early on during the spring camp in the U.S. Manager Yeom praised Kim Young-woo, saying, "There will be a rookie of the year from LG. He reminds me of Kim Taek-yeon," and mentioned that he would utilize him in the first team starting from the opening.

Kim Taek-yeon joined Doosan as the 2nd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 rookie draft and won the rookie award with his heavy fastball as his primary weapon. He appeared in 60 games, recording 3 wins, 2 losses, 19 saves, 4 holds, and an earned run average of 2.08. Midway through the season, he took on the closing role and set the record for the most saves (19) for a high school graduate rookie.

Manager Yeom stated, "I, along with the coaching staff, will work hard to ensure that Young-woo can grow like Kim Taek-yeon."

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