Misfortune always comes without notice. so it hurts more Choi Hyeon-il (23), a promising pitcher favored by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the major leagues, was also like that.
After the 2021 season, Choi Hyun-il proved his potential by receiving the ‘Pitcher of the Year’ award from the minor leagues under the Dodgers. However, last year, when he had a strong start looking for a higher place, he ended the season unfortunately with only one appearance in Single A due to an elbow injury. The Dodgers took care of Choi Hyun-il, who avoided surgery and successfully completed rehabilitation, to gain more experience last fall by including him on the roster of the Arizona Fall League (AFL), where only the best prospects in the minor leagues can participate.
The Dodgers’ management continued this year. Minor league spring camp usually starts around the end of February, but Choi Hyeon-il came to the U.S. early last January to prepare for the season. This shows how much the Dodgers care about him.
Choi Hyun-il met with Star News at the Dodgers Minor League Spring Camp in Glendale, Arizona on the 5th (Korean time) and said, “I came to the United States in January and threw well, but recently I felt uncomfortable with my right arm and had to rehabilitate for the past two weeks. “But fortunately, it wasn’t a major injury, such as surgery or drug treatment. In the meantime, I completed the rehabilitation well,” he explained. 메이저놀이터
Choi Hyun-il, who grew a beard like former Dodgers senior Park Chan-ho (50), warmed up with his teammates that day and played catch, then pitched in the bullpen two weeks later. Choi Hyeon-il, who came down the mound, expressed satisfaction with his pitching, saying, “As agreed in advance, I threw a total of 15 balls, including fast and breaking balls, and there was no pain or discomfort in his arms.”
He continued, “I have a second bullpen pitching schedule after rehabilitation on next Tuesday (8th in Korean time), and I think I will throw about 20 to 25 pitches that day, more than today. When I reach the ideal, I will be doing live pitching where I throw the hitter upright.”
When asked about the league that will start this season, Choi Hyun-il said, “It is undecided yet.” I think I will know which league I will play in. It would be best if I didn’t get sick, but as much as I was sick, I just have to throw better in the future.”