Jang Hyun-sik Faces Challenges Ahead Of Season Debut

LG Twins pitcher Jang Hyun-sik faced yet another disappointment when his scheduled exhibition appearance against the NC Dinos was canceled due to heavy snowfall on March 18, 2025. This was set to be his eagerly anticipated return to the mound after recovering from an injury sustained during spring training earlier this year.

Jang, who signed a lucrative four-year contract worth 5.2 billion won, was aiming to step up as the new closer for the LG Twins this season. Unfortunately, his first chance to showcase his skills was thwarted by inclement weather yet again. Just days before the cancellation, he was slated to pitch during the March 16 second-team game, which also fell victim to rain. “I expressed regret over getting injured before the season starts,” he said after the cancellation on March 18.

His injury saga began mid-February 2025 during spring training camp in Arizona, where he twisted his ankle on slippery ground, necessitating early return home for treatment. An MRI confirmed damage to the ligaments, leading to four weeks of rehabilitation. Despite those setbacks, Jang's enthusiasm remained evident, stating, “If my rehabilitation goes well, there will be good results; if I don't prepare hard, there might be bad results.”

The persistent weather issues have forced Jang to rely on bullpen sessions to maintain his rhythm. Following the cancellation of the exhibition game, he pitched 25 throws to assess his physical condition and get ready for the next opportunity on March 20 against the SSG Landers' second team at Ganghwa. “I was supposed to pitch today, but the bullpen session was fine,” he noted, demonstrating his readiness and optimism.

Looking at the upcoming season, Jang faces the challenge of stepping up as LG's closer after the injury sidelined veteran players. Manager Yeom Kyeong-yeop expressed his disappointment over the weather-related cancellations but is hopeful about Jang’s performance after observing him pitch on March 20. Yeom has indicated he will evaluate Jang’s performance and make decisions on his place on the opening day roster based on the forthcoming game.

Despite the pressure of being thrust as the new closer for the team, Jang appears grounded. “My goal since signing the FA contract was to be helpful to the team,” he stated, emphasizing the collective aspiration over individual statistics. “If I can be of help when the team needs it, performance will come naturally.”

While Jang’s pitches were limited due to circumstances beyond his control, he acknowledged the coaching staff's support during his recovery process. “I thanked the trainers and coaching staff for their guidance,” Jang remarked. Feeling grateful for their assistance, he recognizes the significance of mental fortitude along with physical preparation. “I'm the type who generates a lot of heat,” he added, referring to his overall warmth and confidence during pitching practice.

Looking forward, Jang has had to approach each day with patience and determination, training not just to excel individually, but also to uplift the team. He stated, “I always thought about how to come back quickly and was fortunate to receive encouraging news from the tests,” reflecting on how adversity has fueled his motivation. Even though this season has had rocky starts, he remains committed to his craft, vowing to bring good news to the fans and team alike.

With the highly anticipated opening day approaching on March 25, Jang hopes to make his final adjustments during the second-team game against SSG Landers, which will play a pivotal role in his roster spot for the big event. He understands and acknowledges the responsibility he holds for keeping the bullpen strong and maintaining team morale as they face the season together.

Jang is confident the spacious Jamsil Baseball Stadium will play to his advantage this season, which is known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions. “Being from the dugout, I thought, 'Wow, this place is really big,'” he reflected on his observations as he watched from the sidelines during previous games. He believes the strong defensive support and the stadium's dimensions provide great conditions for pitching.

Fans are undoubtedly eager to see Jang return to competitive play after his challenging experiences leading up to the season. With his positive attitude and focus on his responsibilities, Jang Hyun-sik stands ready to rise to the challenge as the LG Twins march toward their 2025 campaign.