Seoul: The last-place team in South Korean baseball will miss their closer for the rest of the season due to an elbow injury.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Kiwoom Heroes announced that right-handed reliever Ju Seung-woo will undergo elbow reconstructive surgery, commonly called Tommy John surgery, on Aug. 22. The team stated that Ju will require about a year of rehab and recovery.
Ju experienced elbow pains after recording two outs in a relief appearance against the Doosan Bears during a Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) game on Sunday. Following his removal from the game, multiple tests conducted on Monday revealed damage to his right elbow ligament.
Ju, 25, became the Heroes’ closer last season. He achieved 14 saves in 2024 and recorded 16 saves this season, ranking eighth overall, with a 2.45 ERA in 44 innings before his injury.
“I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to finish the season with the club,” Ju said. “I will do my best in rehab and try to be back healthy next year.”
The Heroes currently hold the last place in the KBO standings with a record of 33-73-4 (wins-losses-ties) and also finished last in each of the past two seasons.