Catcher Kim Hyung-jun (NC Dinos), who will anchor the South Korean baseball team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, shared his thoughts on the national pitching staff.

“I don’t have any major problems with my physical condition,” he told reporters before an exhibition game against Sangsung at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Saturday, “and I’m preparing a lot.” He is confident that he has fully recovered from his injury.

Initially, Kim tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee in August last year when he was playing for the Merchants. In May of this year, just as he was about to return to the first team, he suffered a ligament injury to his right ankle and had to undergo another rehabilitation. “The area where I had surgery is fine, and I’m preparing without any pain,” he said, explaining his physical condition.

Kim returned to the first team at the end of August this season. In 20 games, he is batting 2-for-5 (14 for 56) with five home runs.

Kim Hyung-jun will make his senior national team debut in the tournament, and he’ll likely wear a mask as the starting catcher. National team manager Ryu Jung-il declared, “I will use Kim Hyung-jun as the starting catcher.”

“As I saw in the league, the pitchers are all in good shape,” Kim said, “and I will try to help them throw their pitches as much as possible in China.” He continued, “The pitchers’ pitches were all good. None of them looked out of shape because they had been playing during the season and came to the national team.”

Another competitor for the position was Kim Dong-heon, born in 2004 (Kiwoom Heroes). Kim said he and Dong-heon are “still getting to know each other.” “I haven’t told him anything in particular. “We’re getting to know each other,” he said, adding, “Even though he’s a rookie, I’m trying to make him feel comfortable so he can play baseball.” 안전놀이터

Kim Hyung-jun was also concerned about the Taiwanese hitters. “When I watched the video, there were some players who were really fast and some who were good at hitting home runs,” he said. “Especially when the opponent’s fast hitters are on base, I think the pitchers should prioritize the hitters on base instead of worrying about the runners.” “Hitters with good power should try to help the pitchers by making clear gestures.”

“In the tournament, we will build trust in each other so that the pitchers can throw their balls,” he said, “and I think that will lead to good results.” “As it is our first adult national team, we want to achieve good results together,” he added.