Samsung Lions Set For Weekend Return Of Key Pitchers

The Samsung Lions are gearing up for a significant weekend as key players Won Tae-in and Denny Reyes are set to return to the mound. Manager Park Jin-man announced on March 25, 2025, before the game against the NC Dinos at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, that both pitchers are in good health and expected to participate in the weekend matchups.

Won Tae-in, a pivotal member of the Lions' rotation, had been sidelined due to a right elbow joint and muscle injury sustained during last year's Korean Series. His rehabilitation process has been closely monitored, and he is now ready to make his return. Meanwhile, Reyes faced his own challenges with a minor bone bruise in his right foot, which occurred during a practice game on March 22, 2025, also in Okinawa, Japan.

Both pitchers have been testing their skills in the Futures League, a critical step in their recovery. On March 23, 2025, Won Tae-in pitched against the KIA Tigers, throwing 50 pitches over three innings, allowing two hits, one home run, striking out five batters, and giving up just one run. Although he conceded a home run in the first inning, he quickly found his rhythm as the game progressed.

On March 25, Reyes took the mound against the KT Wiz, where he pitched 42 balls over 2⅔ innings. He faced some challenges, recording five hits, one strikeout, and three runs against him. Despite allowing three consecutive hits in the first inning, he bounced back with a quick third inning, showing signs of improvement.

A Samsung official noted that while Reyes exhibited some instability in throwing and catching the ball, there were no significant issues, and his bone bruise symptoms have improved, allowing him to meet his planned pitch count.

With the return of both pitchers, the Samsung Lions are looking to solidify their already potent lineup. As of March 25, 2025, the team has recorded a remarkable ten home runs across their first three games, showcasing their offensive prowess with a team batting average of .398 and a slugging percentage of .735.

The Lions have been on a roll, winning all three of their opening games for the first time in 17 years since 2008. Their recent victory against the NC Dinos on March 25, where they triumphed 14-5, further solidified their status as a formidable team in the league.

In that game, the Lions showcased their offensive firepower, with Lee Jae-hyun hitting a three-run home run in the second inning, followed by captain Koo Ja-wook's grand slam in the fourth inning, extending their lead significantly. The team added another run in the sixth inning due to an opponent's error, and Kim Young-woong capped off the scoring with a two-run homer, bringing the score to 13-4. Park Byung-ho also contributed with a massive solo home run measuring 145 meters in the eighth inning, sealing the game.

As the Lions prepare for their next game, all 24,000 seats at Daegu Samsung Lions Park for the March 26 matchup against the NC Dinos have been sold out, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding the team. This game marks not just another opportunity for the Lions to continue their winning streak but also an occasion for fans to witness the return of their star pitchers.

Manager Park Jin-man expressed confidence in his team's performance, noting that the players' ability to capitalize on their momentum is a significant advantage. "The players are performing well, and when they get into a good rhythm, it can be hard to stop them. With both young and veteran players contributing, we are seeing some excellent gameplay," he remarked.

Samsung's explosive offense has been a highlight so far, amassing 45 hits and 38 runs in their first three games. This level of productivity is particularly impressive when compared to other teams, as the combined total runs of the lowest-scoring teams in the league barely surpasses Samsung's output.

As the season unfolds, the Lions are not just looking to maintain their winning streak but also to build on their momentum with the return of key players. The excitement among fans and the team's performance suggest that this could be a season to remember.

With the first home game of the season already generating buzz and the team performing at an exceptional level, the Samsung Lions are poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 KBO League. The combination of returning players, a powerful offense, and a supportive fan base creates an environment ripe for success.