Seoul, South Korea-In the wake of an injury that has left him unable to participate in the upcoming South Korean baseball championship series, LG Twins right-hander Adam Plutko has left South Korea to return to the United States, according to his club.
According to a new release by Yonhap News Agency, Plutko made the decision to leave after weeks of rehabilitating a left hip injury and discussions with the club. The LG Twins, who had the best record in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) regular season, have secured a bye to the Korean Series, set to start on November 7. Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb had already indicated on October 5 that the team would prepare for the series assuming Plutko would not be available.
During the 2023 season, Plutko posted an 11-3 record with a 2.41 ERA over 21 starts. However, he has not pitched since August 26 due to a thigh injury, later diagnosed as a bruised left pelvis. Given the absence of any promising signs for his return, the Twins' staff had ruled Plutko out more than a month before the series begins.
In 2022, Plutko had a less than memorable postseason run. He was out for nearly three weeks at the end of the regular season with back spasms. Upon his return in the postseason, he gave up six runs in just 1 2/3 innings against the Kiwoom Heroes, contributing to the Twins' elimination in four games.
In a video message, Plutko expressed his gratitude toward the club, teammates, and fans for their support during his time in South Korea. Casey Kelly is expected to start the first game of the Korean Series, followed by Im Chan-kyu and Choi Won-tae, according to Youm Kyoung-youb.