I think it's going to be hard this year → Lotte's sudden attack? Hong Min Gi's elbow discomfort... What is this.. There are no medical injuries

Aug 31, 2025

Lotte and Samsung held at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 16th. Lotte Hong Min Gi is pitching. Busan = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.08.16/

A game between Lotte and LG at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 19th, and Hong Min-ki is being replaced after throwing only two balls in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jamsil= Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.19/

There is a possibility that Lotte Giants left-hander fireballer Hong Min-ki (24) will end the season as it is.

Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung said of the timing of Hong Min-ki's return ahead of the 2025 KBO League Doosan Bears match at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 31st, `I think it will be difficult this year," he predicted pessimistically.

Although there are no medical injuries, the club explains that individual players feel uncomfortable.

Hong Min-ki appeared like a comet this season. He was a top prospect in the first round of the 2020 rookie draft, being selected as the fourth overall. Until last year, he played only four innings in a total of four games. He recorded three holds with an ERA of 3.09 in 25 games and 32 innings in 2025.

Hong Min-ki is a rare left-handed fastball pitcher who throws more than 150 kilometers. There is a myth in the baseball world that "Bring the left-hander fireballer to hell even if he goes to hell." It gave a huge boost to Lotte's bullpen, which was heavily dependent on Kim Won-joong, Jung Chul-won, and Choi Jun-yong.

However, the control of the game against Samsung on the 17th and the game against LG on the 19th were suddenly shaken. In both games, he faced only one batter and was replaced. Eventually, he was excluded from the first team on the 20th.

Lotte approached it very carefully, wondering if it was an injury. Cross-checking was conducted at two hospitals. The result received on the 27th was 'Inflammation and damage were not found'.

However, Hong Min-ki has somewhat chronic discomfort in his elbow. Few players are 100% in perfect shape over a season. Everyone plays with one or two minor injuries. Of course, the degree to which an individual feels apart from medical findings is also important.

The game between KIA and Lotte at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 25th. Hong Min-ki, who allowed no runs in the eighth inning, greets his teammates. Busan = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.7.25/

The game between KIA and Lotte at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 25th. Hong Min-ki, who stopped the eighth inning without losing a point, is delighted. Busan = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.7.25/

For this reason, it is difficult for the club to estimate the exact timing of its return.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung is believed to have been as conservative as possible. Head coach Kim Tae-hyung said it is difficult for Hong Min-ki to join the expanded entry in September. Coach Kim Tae-hyung should see him throw in the second division. I think it will be difficult this year. "If I prepare normally and go into the game and throw a few more games, I think this season will be over."

Of course, there is a possibility that his condition will suddenly recover because he is not hurt anywhere. Hong Min-ki played catch training normally on the day. A Lotte official said, `There was nothing wrong with my physical condition. We are going to schedule a training schedule from this week."

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.