Kobayashi Returns to First Team Rotation on 14th, Aiming for Season's First Win Against Chunichi Dragons

(Taiwan News Reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, June 13) Yu-Yang Ku, the 26-year-old pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball, who was sent down to the farm team on May 3 for adjustments, is scheduled to return to the first team as a starting pitcher on June 14. He will face the Chunichi Dragons at the Fighters' home stadium, ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, aiming to secure his first win of the season against a lineup starting pitcher Shuhei Yubuki.

Ku began this season in the bullpen role. He was sent down to the farm team in mid-April to transition back into a starting role and returned to the first team in early May. His first start of the season came on May 2 against the Orix Buffaloes, where he pitched 4 innings, allowed 5 hits including one home run, and gave up 2 earned runs, resulting in a no-decision. He was then sent down again on May 3.

Since returning to the farm team on May 3, Ku has made four starts. His longest outing was 6 innings. His most recent start was on June 7 against the Oisix Niigata Albirex, where he threw 68 pitches over 5 innings, allowed 2 hits, recorded 1 strikeout, and pitched a scoreless game, earning the win.

The Fighters began a three-game home series against the Chunichi Dragons yesterday at ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO. They won yesterday's game 3-1 and are currently on an eight-game winning streak.

Ku's first-team stats this season include 6 total appearances (1 start), 8.1 innings pitched, 5 earned runs allowed, a 5.40 ERA, 1 loss, and 1 hold. His return to the starting rotation is highly anticipated as he aims to improve his performance and secure his first win of the season. (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1150613