Lions' Chiang Shao-Ching Aims for Starting Return on 21st, Rain Delay Adds Uncertainty

The return timeline for Uni-President 7-ELEVEn Lions pitcher Chiang Shao-Ching has been outlined. Head coach Lin Yueh-Ping announced that Chiang is expected to make a starting appearance on June 21. However, due to the postponement of the team's game against the Rakuten Monkeys in Tainan on June 16 because of rain, the team will need to re-evaluate its starting rotation.

Chiang made his season debut on May 3 after recovering from injury but was later sent down to the minor league due to nerve inflammation in his muscles. He pitched one game each on June 7 and June 13 in the minors and rejoined the major league roster on June 16. In a media briefing, Coach Lin stated that Chiang is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday or Friday in preparation for the June 21 start.

Regarding the impact of the rainout, Lin noted that the team would discuss the rotation adjustments internally. If Chiang does take the mound, the team has a clear plan to monitor his pitch count and innings. "Just let him pitch," Lin said. Additionally, infielder Lin Jing-Kai was demoted to the minors yesterday. Lin clarified that Lin Jing-Kai is not injured; the move is purely for performance adjustment ahead of the second half of the season.