Chiang Shao-Ching pitches 2 innings in farm team game, Lin Yueh-Ping plans first-team return next week

(Taipei, June 13, CNA reporter Su Chih-Yu) Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions pitcher Chiang Shao-Ching made a mound appearance in a minor league game today. Head coach Lin Yueh-Ping revealed that if post-pitching feedback shows no issues, Chiang could return to the first team as early as next week. The decision stems from the belief that using the minor leagues solely to extend innings would be "a bit wasteful."

Chiang, recovering from injury and rehabilitation, returned to the first-team rotation on May 3, pitching three innings, allowing one hit, recording four strikeouts, and surrendering one unearned run. However, his subsequent starts were halted due to muscle nerve inflammation. He resumed minor league play on June 7, pitching one scoreless inning.

Today, facing the second team of the TSG Hawks, Chiang started and pitched two innings on 26 pitches, allowing three hits and one earned run, with two strikeouts and no walks. Lin Yueh-Ping, speaking to reporters, commented on the outing: "It was not bad."

Lin explained that Chiang had previously reached a high-intensity level before his injury. Now, rebuilding pitch volume presents two options: (1) fully prepare in the minors before returning, or (2) adjust in the minors while alternating with first-team appearances. The former is relatively wasteful, so the plan is to bring Chiang back to the first team next week.

Lin also mentioned that there is room for four foreign pitchers next week, but local pitcher Lin Chao-En will remain with the first team. With five games starting June 16, how will Lin Chao-En and Chiang be scheduled? Lin remained cautious: "We have a plan."

Lin Chao-En's last start lasted 4.2 innings, during which he allowed five runs on five hits and three walks. Lin Yueh-Ping admitted that Lin frequently struggles with consecutive walks in a single inning. If reduced, he has the capability to pitch into the fifth or sixth inning. "His peak performance lasts for a certain number of pitches, after which stability drops. We know this, but we can't pull him just because of that. He needs to work through unstable periods—that's the team's development direction," Lin said. (Editor: Li Heng-Shan) 1150613