LG Twins’ Rotation Crisis: Injured Ace Yonny Chirinos’ Recovery Timeline Accelerates as Club Rules Out Immediate Replacement
SEOUL — The LG Twins, defending champions of South Korea’s KBO League, are facing a mounting pitching crisis as injuries to key starters threaten their early-season momentum. The latest blow came when Venezuelan right-hander Yonny Chirinos, the team’s 13-game winner from 2025, was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation. But there’s a silver lining: medical staff have revised his recovery timeline, suggesting he could return to the mound in as little as three weeks, according to official club statements verified by Naver Sports.
Chirinos’ accelerated recovery plan comes as the Twins grapple with a depleted rotation. Closer Yoo Young-chan underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his right elbow earlier this week, while left-handed prospect Son Joo-young continues his rehabilitation from a separate elbow injury sustained during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The timing couldn’t be worse for manager Ryu Ji-hyun, whose team sits just two games behind league-leading KT Wiz in the KBO’s ultra-competitive early standings.
“Three weeks of rest should be sufficient,” a team medical official told reporters Tuesday, requesting anonymity as the club hasn’t released official recovery protocols. “We’re monitoring his progress daily, but the initial inflammation response was milder than expected.” The statement aligns with Chirinos’ own assessment during a recent video interview with LG’s official YouTube channel, where he described the injury as “manageable” and expressed confidence in a swift return.
Rotation Depth Tested as Foreign Pitcher Search Paused
The Twins’ pitching staff has been stretched thin since opening day. Australian import Lachlan Wells has been pressed into a makeshift starting role after beginning the season in the bullpen, while veteran lefty Im Chan-kyu has seen his workload increase dramatically. The club’s decision to pause its search for a replacement foreign pitcher—despite Chirinos’ injury—signals confidence in both the internal options and Chirinos’ recovery timeline.
“We’re not actively pursuing a new foreign pitcher at this moment,” LG general manager Cha Dong-soo confirmed in a press briefing Tuesday. “Our focus is on getting Chirinos and Son back healthy. The rotation has enough depth to cover the next few weeks.” The statement marks a shift from the club’s typical approach, which often sees teams quickly replace injured foreign players to maintain roster flexibility.
Chirinos, who signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract during the offseason, emerged as one of the KBO’s most reliable starters in 2025. His 13 wins and 3.21 ERA led the Twins’ rotation, and his ability to pitch deep into games provided crucial rest for the bullpen. His absence has forced manager Ryu to rely more heavily on younger pitchers like Song Seung-ki, who has responded with a 2.84 ERA in four starts but lacks Chirinos’ experience in high-leverage situations.
Son Joo-young’s Return Could Be the X-Factor
While Chirinos’ recovery dominates headlines, the potential return of 28-year-old left-hander Son Joo-young could be equally impactful. Son, a former military service member who posted a 3.45 ERA in 2025, has been sidelined since March after experiencing elbow inflammation during the World Baseball Classic. His rehabilitation has progressed ahead of schedule, with the team announcing Tuesday that he completed his first live bullpen session last week.
“Son’s return would give us another left-handed option in the rotation,” Ryu told reporters. “He’s a competitor, and we know he can handle the pressure of huge games.” The Twins’ coaching staff has indicated that Son could be ready for a minor-league rehab assignment within the next 10 days, potentially setting up a return to the majors by mid-May. His presence would allow Ryu to move Wells back to the bullpen, where his multi-inning versatility would provide much-needed relief for a taxed relief corps.
Son’s injury history has been a concern, however. He missed significant time in 2023 with a shoulder issue and has never pitched more than 120 innings in a single KBO season. The Twins are taking a cautious approach, with pitching coach Park Hee-soo emphasizing that Son’s workload will be carefully managed upon his return. “We’re not going to rush him,” Park said. “His long-term health is more important than any single game.”
Bullpen Concerns Loom as Yoo’s Absence Stretches On
The loss of Yoo Young-chan, the KBO’s saves leader in 2025 with 38, has created a significant void in the late innings. Yoo underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his right elbow on April 25 and is expected to miss at least three months, leaving the Twins without their most reliable closer. The injury has forced Ryu to rely on a committee approach, with right-handers Ham Deok-ju and Kim Jin-sung sharing save opportunities.
“It’s not ideal, but we have guys who can step up,” Ryu said. “Ham has closing experience, and Kim has been throwing the ball well. We’ll mix and match based on matchups.” The strategy has yielded mixed results so far, with the bullpen posting a 4.15 ERA in high-leverage situations since Yoo’s injury, compared to a 2.89 mark prior to his absence.
The Twins’ bullpen struggles have been compounded by the absence of setup man Jung Woo-young, who is recovering from a hamstring strain. His expected return later this week could provide a boost, but the unit remains one of the team’s biggest question marks as they navigate a challenging early-season schedule that includes series against contenders like the Doosan Bears and SSG Landers.
What’s Next for the Twins?
The next two weeks will be critical for LG as they await the returns of Chirinos and Son. The team’s schedule includes a three-game series against the Hanwha Eagles starting April 30, followed by a road trip to face the KT Wiz and Lotte Giants. A strong showing in these games could solidify their position atop the standings, while a prolonged slump could open the door for other teams to surge ahead.
For Chirinos, the focus remains on his rehabilitation. The Twins have not released specific details about his treatment plan, but sources indicate he is undergoing a combination of physical therapy and light throwing exercises. His progress will be closely monitored, with the team hoping to avoid a setback that could extend his absence beyond the initial three-week timeline.
Son’s rehab assignment will be equally important. The Twins plan to send him to their minor-league affiliate in Iksan for at least one start before considering a return to the majors. His performance in those games will determine whether he rejoins the rotation or is used in a limited role out of the bullpen.
In the meantime, the Twins’ front office has left the door open for a potential foreign pitcher addition if injuries continue to mount. “We’re always evaluating our options,” Cha said. “But right now, our priority is getting our guys healthy. If that changes, we’ll adjust accordingly.”
Key Takeaways
- Yonny Chirinos’ recovery timeline has been shortened to approximately three weeks after medical staff determined his elbow inflammation was less severe than initially feared.
- The Twins have paused their search for a replacement foreign pitcher, opting to rely on internal options like Lachlan Wells and Song Seung-ki in the short term.
- Son Joo-young’s return could be imminent, with the left-hander expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment within the next 10 days.
- The bullpen has struggled in Yoo Young-chan’s absence, posting a 4.15 ERA in high-leverage situations since his injury. The team is using a committee approach to close games.
- The next two weeks are critical for LG, with a challenging schedule that includes series against the Hanwha Eagles, KT Wiz, and Lotte Giants.
What Happens Next?
The Twins’ next official update on Chirinos and Son is expected on May 5, when the team provides its weekly injury report. Chirinos is scheduled to undergo a follow-up MRI later this week, with the results likely determining whether he can begin a throwing program. Son, meanwhile, is expected to throw his first simulated game on May 1, with a minor-league rehab start tentatively planned for May 4.
For fans looking to track the team’s progress, the KBO’s official website provides real-time injury updates and game logs, while the LG Twins’ official site offers behind-the-scenes content and player interviews.
As the Twins navigate this challenging stretch, their ability to weather the storm without their top pitchers will be a testament to the depth of their roster. With the KBO season still in its early stages, there’s plenty of time for the team to regroup—but the next few weeks could define their championship aspirations.
What do you think about the Twins’ approach to handling their pitching injuries? Should they be more aggressive in pursuing a replacement for Chirinos, or is their current strategy the right one? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.
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