There must be no injury jinx for the national team.
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) team led by manager Ryu Ji-hyun has been holding first-phase camp training in Saipan since the 10th. A total of 30 players, including domestic-based players and overseas-based players Ko Woo-seok and Kim Hye-seong, participated in the first camp. The final 30-man roster will be decided in early February.
LG included eight players in the provisional roster who participated in the first camp. Domestic players comprise 16 pitchers and 12 position players, a total of 28, and LG has the largest number among the 10 clubs. Hanwha Eagles have six, KT Wiz have four, Samsung Lions have three. SSG Landers, NC Dinos, and Doosan Bears each had two selected. KIA Tigers have one.
LG has Yu Young-chan, Son Ju-yeong, Song Seung-gi (all pitchers), Park Dong-won (catcher), Park Hae-min, Hong Chang-ki, Moon Bo-gyeong, and Shin Min-jae (all position players) participating in the first camp.
Director General Cha Myung-seok proudly said of players called up to the national team, "It would be embarrassing to have none. When I first became director general there was one, but now the number has increased a lot."
Manager Youm Kyoung-youb welcomed that many LG players are appearing on the national team. Youm said, "Except for (Park) Hae-min's level, I think it's a plus for our team players to go to the WBC and gain experience. For Bo-gyeong, Min-jae, Chang-ki and others, gaining experience is important. Of course it might be tough once the season starts. But looking at LG's future and the individuals' futures, it is far more valuable."
He also said, "I am someone who wants to send our team players to the national team more than anyone else. There is no such thing as cherishing our players and not doing this. Isn't it good to have many national team members among our players? It means our team is that much stronger."
However, LG has recent worries because of an unlucky injury streak in national team international tournaments. In March 2023 during the WBC, closer Ko Woo-seok suffered a shoulder injury after appearing in a practice game.
Ko Woo-seok ultimately could not pitch in the WBC due to the injury, and after rehabilitation he made his first appearance in mid-April. Afterwards the aftereffects of the injury continued, including leaving the team again due to a back injury. Ko Woo-seok's 2023 season was poorer than usual, with a 3.68 ERA in 44 games.
In December 2024 at the Premier12, closer Yu Young-chan was injured. After finishing the tournament and returning, Yu Young-chan had elbow surgery and rehabilitated for about six months. Yu Young-chan returned in June 2025. To prepare for the closer vacancy, LG signed reliever Jang Hyun-sik to a 5.2 billion won free agent contract.
Kim Yong-il, LG's head training coach, joined the national team coaching staff. He will be with them from the Saipan first camp. An expert who has watched LG players up close will manage them on the side.
Meanwhile, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) submitted a provisional roster (35 players) to the WBC organizing committee in early December and will not disclose it according to the organizing committee's guidelines. The final 30-man roster will be finalized by the submission deadline of Feb. 3.<
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