Seoul: Set for a return to action Tuesday evening after spending the past two months rehabbing a hamstring injury, KT Wiz slugger Ahn Hyun-min said his long layoff was an important learning experience for him. Ahn, the 2025 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) Rookie of the Year, last played on April 15 before hitting the sidelines. His rehab lasted much longer than initially expected, and the 22-year-old outfielder tried his best to stay patient and not rush back.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn had a strong start to his sophomore campaign, putting up a .365/.507/.654 line with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 14 games before getting hurt. Despite the frustration of being sidelined, Ahn decided to accept his fate and make the best of his situation. He acknowledged that injuries are part of an athlete's career and that it was better to be injured earlier in the season.

During his rehabilitation, Ahn took the opportunity to learn more about how to exercise and take care of his body. He realized that some of his previous practices were not optimal and used the time to make necessary adjustments. One significant change Ahn made was to his diet, which resulted in shedding about 5 kg. He eliminated hamburgers, fried foods, and sugary drinks, opting for more fish to improve his agility and reduce the risk of future hamstring injuries.

Ahn also reached out to Kia Tigers superstar Kim Do-yeong for advice during his recovery. Kim, who dealt with multiple hamstring injuries last year, provided valuable insights to Ahn. Kim is now back to full health and delivering strong performances, leading the league in home runs and ranking high in RBIs.

As the KT Wiz prepares for a three-game series against the Tigers, Ahn's focus is on staying healthy and taking each game as it comes. He expressed hope for an opportunity to play against Kim, viewing it as a sign of his recovery and resilience.