NC Ace Gu Chang-mo Returns to the Mound, Eyes Playoff Push After Injury Battles
Changwon, South Korea – After a 711-day wait, NC Dinos‘ left-handed ace Gu Chang-mo returned to the starting rotation on Saturday, pitching three innings against the KIA Tigers. While the box score showed four hits allowed, the performance signaled a potentially pivotal moment for both the pitcher and the Dinos, who are battling for a playoff spot.
Chang-mo, 28, showcased impressive control, landing 38 of his 50 pitches in the strike zone, with a fastball reaching 143 km/h.”After all, Gu Chang-mo is Gu Chang-mo,” remarked NC manager Lee Ho-joon, highlighting the pitcher’s enduring talent.
The return is particularly significant given Chang-mo’s recent history. He was a dominant force in leading the Dinos to their first Korean Series title in 2020,boasting a remarkable 9-0 record with a 1.55 ERA in the first half of that season. He led the league in ERA, wins, and strikeouts.
However, a recurring theme of injuries has plagued Chang-mo since. A fractured forearm in 2020 led to surgery, followed by a hamstring injury in 2022 that prevented him from
