As injuries pile up, Heroes manager trying to stay patient

Kiwoom Heroes players celebrate their 7-3 win over the SSG Landers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular-season game at Incheon SSG Landers Field in Incheon, just west of Seoul, Sunday, in this photo provided by the Heroes. Yonhap

The Kiwoom Heroes were not expected to contend this season in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), and the fact that they are in last place with a record of 11-20-0 (wins-losses-ties) is not entirely surprising.

Manager Hong Won-ki had braced for much losing in 2025 but even he wasn't prepared for the injury blows the Heroes have been dealt so far.

Hong has been giving young players, some still in their teen years, plenty of opportunities in the early going. However, rookies have not been immune from the injury bug, and left-hander Jung Hyun-woo, the first overall pick in last year's draft, is currently out with shoulder issues.

Hong sparked some controversy by leaving Jung in to throw 122 pitches in his KBO debut on March 26, the second-highest pitch total by a rookie pitcher drafted out of high school. Jung only made two more starts after that before hitting the sidelines.

Hong provided no update on Jung's status Tuesday, before the Heroes hosted the Lotte Giants at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Joining Jung in the infirmary was outfielder Yasiel Puig, who hurt his shoulder in a dive back to first base on a pickoff attempt last week.

"We have so many injuries all across the team, but we want those guys back 100 percent healthy," Hong said. "We're in last place, and in order for us to compete, we will need those players fully healthy. We obviously miss them a great deal, but the priority right now is to get them back at 100 percent."

Tuesday's game started a string of nine straight games for KBO teams. Though teams usually get Mondays off each week, they will play on Monday next week as it is the Children's Day holiday -- one of the biggest days in a KBO regular-season calendar.

In the absence of rookies who are either injured or have been sent down to the minors, Hong said he will lean on a mix of veterans and second-year pros to carry the day.

Two sophomores, infielder Ko Young-woo and outfielder Won Sung-jun, drew into Tuesday's starting lineup. This will be Won's season debut and Ko's second game of 2025.

In 2024, Ko played 94 games and Won appeared in 51.

"They provided some energy for us last year during some tough stretches," Hong said. "I am sure they put in a lot of work in the minors over the past month or so, trying to get back up here. They must have learned a few things about the KBO last year and I think they will be ready to show what they have."