Lee Yong-kyu, Who Disappeared From The First Division, Refused To Call Up Himself

A month has passed since Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Lee Yong-kyu (37) did not appear in the first division. However, he is determined to shake off his injury and return to the first division stage in a perfect condition.

Lee Yong-kyu, who played as Kiwoom's lead-off with a batting average of 0.296 last season, was diagnosed with a microfracture of his right scapula on May 12. The aftermath of Oh Won-Seok's daggering in the Go Cheok SSG match on May 6. Since then, he has endured pain and participated in the game, and the result of the detailed diagnosis was an injury.

This season, he is struggling with minor injuries and has a batting average of 0.182 (20 hits in 110 at-bats). However, the presence of veteran Lee Yong-kyu in Kiwoom, where there are many young players, is a strong force in many ways.

Fortunately, he is now on his way back. Kiwoom Heroes manager Hong Won-Ki said on the 14th, "I also saw Lee Yong-kyu for the first time in a very long time," adding, "I have started technical training and will play in practice games with college teams from the weekend."

As medical recovery takes place, playing actual games following technical training will be the minimum condition for him to join the first division. However, Lee Yong-kyu carefully conveyed his intention to coach Hong Won-Ki to "refuse to call up himself."

Coach Hong Won-Ki said, "I hope Lee Yong-kyu doesn't call up just because it's a game." He said, "I like the team, but I don't want to break the mood," adding, "If Lee Yong-kyu judges himself that 'the blow has risen,' I will call him up."

Both players and coaches have a common idea that they should not simply be players who keep the entry.

Hong said, "I'm going to play against the Futures KIA starting next week. However, it doesn't matter whether he will play in the game or not, he said. "I think he will call up when he can show his normal condition as a table setter, not as a pinch runner or a pinch hitter in the first division."

Rather than rushing to return to the first division, he plans to wait and see. Kiwoom is also cruising to second place. As there is room for the team's situation, coach Hong decided to consider the veteran's will.

Coach Hong stressed 토토, "We will call up Lee Yong-kyu when he is satisfied with his performance and situation."