The injured players of the professional baseball team Samsung Lions are ahead of their return due to smooth rehabilitation. Last year, slugger prospect Kim Young-hoon, who recorded 28 home runs, is preparing to participate at the end of the exhibition games.

Samsung manager Park Jin-man held a briefing on injured players on the 13th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park ahead of an exhibition game against LG. Samsung's Kim Young-hoon, Won Tae-in, Reyes, and Lee Sung-kyu are currently sidelined due to injuries.

Kim Young-hoon returned early due to a right rib contusion during the training camp in Okinawa, Japan, at the end of February. Manager Park noted, "Kim Young-hoon is currently in batting training. He has started light tee batting this week and is gradually increasing the number of swings. We are planning for him to participate in the last game of the exhibition season."

Kim Young-hoon appeared in 126 games last year, achieving a batting average of .252 (115 hits in 456 at-bats), 28 home runs, 79 RBIs, 65 runs scored, 9 stolen bases, and an OPS of .806. He hit 4 home runs in the postseason (9 games).

Lee Sung-kyu, who suffered a side injury, will take a little longer to return. Manager Park stated, "It seems that Lee Sung-kyu will need some time, and we are aiming for his return in early April." Lee Sung-kyu appeared in 122 games last year and recorded a batting average of .242 with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs.

Foreign pitcher Reyes, who played as a one-two punch last year, and native ace Won Tae-in are preparing to return at the end of March. Manager Park commented, "They are preparing well, and if things go according to plan, they will return at the end of March. That's the plan, and everything is going smoothly in line with that schedule."

Reyes returned early due to a stress fracture in his right foot during spring camp. Won Tae-in suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder during last year's Korean Series and is gradually improving his physical condition through offseason rehabilitation.

Won Tae-in is currently doing bullpen sessions. It is still undecided when he will pitch in a game. If he cannot pitch in the exhibition games, there are plans for him to throw in practice games with the second team.

Manager Park explained, "We will confirm how his body condition is and will decide on the game pitching plan later. We are moving according to the return date and there are no issues. However, there are some variables in between, so the game pitching plan has not been set yet. He feels no pain right now, so I am thinking positively."

Reyes is also looking at a similar return timeline as Won Tae-in. Manager Park remarked, "The same goes for Reyes. I think his return will be around the same time as Won Tae-in. Both are currently building up for the end of March. Reyes had a hospital check-up a few days ago, and it was confirmed that his bones have all healed. The player feels relieved. Everything is going well in preparation right now."

In early season, two starting positions will be vacant. Manager Park noted, "Baek Jung-hyun and Kim Dae-woo are preparing to be starters. The order has not been determined yet; we are still contemplating how to arrange it."

[OSEN]