It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home Visitor Center gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Riley, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well-”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very ”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Riley Park Splash Pad with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Sullivan's Steakhouse or visit Riley Home Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Riley, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Riley, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Riley, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Juventus remain interested in signing Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer, reports from Italy claim, despite the Portuguese club reaffirming their desire for the Dane’s €60 million release clause to be met.According to what has been reported by the ...
Juventus remain interested in signing Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer, reports from Italy claim, despite the Portuguese club reaffirming their desire for the Dane’s €60 million release clause to be met.
According to what has been reported by the Corriere dello Sport, Hjulmand remains the Bianconeri’s top priority if Douglas Luiz completes a rumoured move back to the Premier League this summer.
FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 31: Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP in action during the Portuguese Super Cup match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Estadio Algarve on July 31, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
The reports suggest that whilst Hjulmand is top of the Old Lady’s shopping list, Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley and Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma are viable alternatives should Sporting price the Bianconeri out of a move.
After signing for Juventus from Aston Villa just last year, Douglas Luiz appears to already be at an end to his time in Turin. The Bianconeri want €40 million for the Brazilian in attempt to recoup a bulk of the fee given to Villa for the player. Nottingham Forest, Everton and West Ham have all been linked with the central midfielder and a move appears likely.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 01: Douglas Luiz #26 of Juventus FC arrives at the stadium prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC at Hard Rock Stadium on July 01, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
If Luiz leaves the club, the door will be open for Juventus to sign a replacement. If the Bianconeri manage to receive the €40 million they want for the former Villa player, this will cover a majority of Hjulmand’s cost – even more so if the Serie A side manage to negotiate Sporting down from their asking price.
The USC Trojans received the commitment from class of 2026 recruit Breck Kolojay this week. The other team in the running was the ...
The USC Trojans received the commitment from class of 2026 recruit Breck Kolojay this week. The other team in the running was the Georgia Bulldogs. What made Kolojay pick Lincoln Riley and the Trojans over Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs?
Apr 12, 2025; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart shown during the Georgia Spring game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Following his commitment on Friday, Kolojay spoke about what made him choose USC over Georgia.
“I believe in what they (USC) are building right now, and I trust all of those guys, Coach (Lincoln) Riley and Coach (Zach) Hanson,” Kolojay said per Georgia Bulldogs on SI. “It’s something special, and you can see all of the opportunities in LA, and they are on the rise right now. I think the opportunity for me was really hard to say no to.”
Kolojay is one of 32 commits in the Trojans 2026 recruiting class. Per 247Sports, this is the No. 2 ranked class in the country, only behind the Georgia Bulldogs. The headliners are a pair of five-star recruits; offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe and tight end Mark Bowman.
It has been a very successful offseason to this point for the Trojans.
A little bit of hamming it up, (#43) Breck Kolojay, OL, 6'6, 317 pounds, for the white team, Class of 2026, during IMG's Academy Pro Day held at IMG's football field in Bradenton, FL on Thursday, Feb, 27, 2025. / Thomas Bender/ Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Breck Kolojay is a 6-5, 320 pound interior offensive lineman out of Bradenton, Florida. Kolojay it rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 21 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2026 per 247Sports. He was evaluated in July by director of scouting Andrew Ivins.
“Advanced offensive line prospect with college-ready size that’s tracking to be a two-year starter at IMG Academy…At his best working in tight quarters where he can time up his strikes and dance with his lower half,” Ivins said. “Will unlock a mean streak and take assignments into the turf. Shines as a combo blocker and will engage multiple defenders in pass protection.”
Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley holds the championship trophy after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Over the past two seasons, USC has struggled both on the field and in recruiting. The Trojans went 8-5 in 2023 and then 7-6 in 2024. This was a major step back from Lincoln Riley’s first season as coach in Los Angeles in 2022, when USC went 11-3.
In recruiting, USC has failed to bring in a top 10 class in both 2024 and 2025. Is the 2026 class the start of something good brewing?
It has been a long time since USC was consistently a national title and conference title contender. Back in the 2000’s under Coach Pete Carroll, USC was the talk of college football. From 2002 through 2008, USC won the Pac-10 every season, won four Rose Bowls, and two National Championships.
With Lincoln Riley now entering year four in 2025, will he be able to get USC back to the mountain top of college football?
Another game with Marcell Ozuna absent from the lineup as the Atlanta Braves face ...
Another game with Marcell Ozuna absent from the lineup as the Atlanta Braves face the San Francisco Giants tonight, with Sean Murphy inheriting DH and Baldwin alternating as catcher.
Although people are wondering what to make of this, especially after Stuart Fairchild was recently designated for assignment to bring up Sandy León, and with the trade deadline right around the corner…
This, however, is something to keep in the back of our minds before we get into this lineup.
Ozuna still has 10-5 rights to veto any deal, therefore, he has control over any thing that shakes out in these upcoming weeks.
Ok, now that we’ve stated the obvious missing piece, besides Austin Riley, who will not be activated today from the IL (although eligible), let’s look at who’s up for tonight.
Anyone who watched rookie Drake Baldwin rake yesterday had to be nothing far from impressed. Achieving a career-high six RBI’s last night (one less than the franchise rookie record), Baldwin will now be batting behind Ronald Acuña Jr. in the fourth hole, while Murphy takes sixth behind Ozzie Albies. The rest of the lineup will play out the same with Davis Daniel taking the mound for his second start of the season.
If the Braves offense can show up like they’ve been for the past few games, but also add pitching strength behind it, it’s a clear possibility to take this series early on.
First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. EDT.
More from batterypower.com:
The NC Dinos' scouting of foreign players has proven accurate once again. Logan Allen, who was signed as a potential ace, has been showcasing dominant performances, overcoming early-season concerns to confirm his status as a top starter.Logan pitched a stellar game against the SSG Landers at Changwon NC Park on the 4th, throwing 7 innings, 102 pitches, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, striking out 5, and giving up 1 run. However, with the batters remaining silent, the team lost 0-4, and Logan suffered his 8th loss of the season.Logan ...
The NC Dinos' scouting of foreign players has proven accurate once again. Logan Allen, who was signed as a potential ace, has been showcasing dominant performances, overcoming early-season concerns to confirm his status as a top starter.
Logan pitched a stellar game against the SSG Landers at Changwon NC Park on the 4th, throwing 7 innings, 102 pitches, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, striking out 5, and giving up 1 run. However, with the batters remaining silent, the team lost 0-4, and Logan suffered his 8th loss of the season.
Logan was unfortunate to lose despite his strong performance. He ranks 3rd for most losses this season. It feels like the batters are not providing enough support, and records show that Logan has received absolutely no run support, averaging only 2.44 runs per game, ranking the lowest at 4th place.
However, with his 7-inning scoreless pitching on that day, he lowered his earned run average from the 3s to the 2s. Currently, excluding wins, Logan's performance is top-notch. He has recorded 5 wins, 8 losses, and a 2.91 earned run average over 18 games with a total of 105? innings pitched. In the last 3 games, he has gone more than 7 innings each time, delivering an impressive 22 innings with only 2 runs (2 earned runs). On June 22 against KT, he threw 7 innings, allowing 3 hits, 4 walks, striking out 6 with no runs allowed, and on June 28 against Doosan, he threw 8 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, striking out 8 and giving up 1 run (scoreless).
During spring camp, the fastball velocity remained in the 130 km/h range, causing concern for manager Lee Ho-jun. The team selected Logan Allen over Riley Thompson as the projected ace, but at that time, Riley was performing much better and faster. In fact, Riley established a club record for most strikeouts and emerged as a top pitcher in the league.
Logan assured that he would raise his physical condition according to his own pace, putting manager Lee Ho-jun at ease. Indeed, when the regular season started, he increased his velocity to around 146 km/h. During the game against Doosan on the 28th of last month, his top speed reached 152 km/h, and in the match the day before (4th), he recorded a peak speed of 149 km/h. He is maximizing his ability to utilize a diverse array of 6 pitches including four-seam fastball, cutter, two-seam fastball, changeup, curveball, and slider. Worries have completely dissipated. Manager Lee Ho-jun reminisced, saying, 'When I saw him throwing 128 km/h, 130 km/h during spring camp, I thought it was a big problem. I felt I couldn't even tell anyone. The build-up was too slow.' He added, 'It seems he was right. He said that the hotter it gets, the faster he would throw, and he really is throwing faster as it gets hotter. This summer is likely going to get hotter, and who knows, he might hit 155 km/h.'
Logan has found his rhythm, and despite concerns about his lack of major league experience and control issues, Riley has been delivering impressive performances with 10 wins, 4 losses, a 2.99 earned run average, and 132 strikeouts over 17 games and 102? innings pitched. With proven pitcher Logan and the unrefined gem Riley collaborating, they are leading NC's starting rotation.
However, the team lacks a solid second punch besides Logan and Riley. The domestic starters are underperforming. Shin Min-hyuk, Mok Ji-hoon, and Kim Nok-won are taking turns in the starting rotation, but there are no reliable pitchers among them. Shin Min-hyuk needs to step up, but he has only managed 4 wins and 3 losses with a 4.65 earned run average over 15 games. His innings pitched, averaging less than 5 innings per game with a total of 71? innings, adds to the concern. Yet, NC is looking towards the second half of the season. The '132 billion ace' Koo Chang-mo is accelerating his return after completing military service. This year, he had a slow recovery after his shoulder was hit by a batted ball while serving, which delayed his build-up. However, he is steadily increasing his pitch count since his return, and he is close to rejoining the first team. In a Futures League game against the military team on the 28th of last month, he pitched 3 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, striking out 4 with no runs allowed, and on the 4th against LG, he pitched 4 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks, striking out 1, and giving up 2 runs. He has raised his pitch count to 57, with 40 strikes and 17 balls recorded. His velocity also reached 144 km/h.
In 2020, he dominated the first half of the season with a record of 9 wins, 1 hold, and a 1.74 earned run average (93? innings, 18 earned runs) along with 102 strikeouts. In the second half, he had to undergo rehabilitation due to a left elbow stress fracture, but the team secured the regular season championship, and in November, Koo returned to lead the team to the overall championship title in the Korean Series. Since then, Koo's career has not progressed smoothly. In 2021, the stress fracture site did not heal completely, leading him to undergo surgery for the stabilization of the fracture. Koo, who returned in May 2022, replicated his overwhelming performance from 2020, recording 11 wins, 5 losses, and a 2.10 earned run average with 108 strikeouts over 19 games and 111? innings pitched, instilling hope for a healthy future.
Ahead of the 2023 season, Koo signed a multi-year contract worth up to 13.2 billion won for 6+1 years, reflecting the team's expectations. However, during the 2023 season, he suffered a re-injury to his left elbow and had to undergo surgery once more. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation, preparing for a return in the second half of the year.
Manager Lee Ho-jun instructed Koo to determine his own return timing. He said, '(Koo) Chang-mo told the trainers, 'I am fully ready without any pain. I’m now going to the first team.' Until then, I decided to just forget about him in my head.' He continued, 'I told Chang-mo, 'It’s okay if you don’t pitch this year, so don’t even think about overdoing it.' I organized my thoughts that way too.'
If Koo Chang-mo returns in good health, an elite starter trio of Logan, Riley, and Koo will be formed. Everyone knows about Koo's powerful abilities. Even with an incomplete starting rotation, the team has managed a close-to-even record of 36 wins, 39 losses, and 5 ties. Though they are currently 8th, it is not yet time to give up on the season. NC is preparing for a major leap in the second half with Koo's return and the strength of the starter trio.
[OSEN]
574-232-8487
