Hsu Ming-Chieh Points Out Wilkerson's Issues; Shunsuke Suzuki Prepares with First Team
Fubon Guardians' foreign pitcher Aaron Wilkerson was sent down to the minor leagues after giving up 5 runs in 3 innings against the TSG Hawks on April 12th. Pitching coach Hsu Ming-Chieh noted Wilkerson's lack of speed variation but confirmed his role as a starter remains unchanged. Meanwhile, Japanese pitcher Shunsuke Suzuki is with the first team and ready for his upcoming appearance.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 18:41
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 19:01 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 14, 2026 at 21:01 (1h 59m after Collected)
(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, 14th) CPBL Fubon Guardians' foreign pitcher Aaron Wilkerson took the loss on the 12th against the TSG Hawks after giving up 5 runs in 3 innings and has been sent down to the minor leagues. Pitching coach Hsu Ming-Chieh pointed out the issues but said his role will not change. Japanese pitcher Shunsuke Suzuki is with the first team today and is ready.
Guardians' foreign pitcher Aaron Wilkerson started against the TSG Hawks on the 12th, throwing 89 pitches over 3 innings. He gave up 6 hits, struck out 2, walked 3, and allowed 5 earned runs, taking the loss. His ERA in 3 first-team appearances is a high 6.92, and he was sent down to the minors yesterday.
Guardians pitching coach Hsu Ming-Chieh mentioned in a pre-game interview today that Wilkerson seems to lack speed variation, and his pitches in the last two games have been too high, making them easy for batters to hit. It might also be an issue of adapting to the strike zone of Taiwanese umpires. There was already a plan to let Wilkerson rest in the minors, which coincided with his recent struggles.
However, Hsu Ming-Chieh also stated that Wilkerson's role as a starter will not change, as the team is not short on relievers. After a few days of rest, Wilkerson will have a regular start in the minor leagues, and they will re-evaluate when the time comes.
Shunsuke Suzuki is also with the first team today. Hsu Ming-Chieh said that Suzuki has pitched well in the minor leagues so far this season. Although his appearances were delayed due to minor discomfort, he is now ready. Suzuki will not be sent down to the minors again, and his next appearance is expected to be with the first team.
Guardians' head coach Terunori Goto also communicated extensively with Shunsuke Suzuki before the game today. They can communicate directly in Japanese. He joked that Suzuki is sometimes a bit slow on the uptake and asks a lot of questions, but he hopes Suzuki will continue to work hard. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150414
Guardians' foreign pitcher Aaron Wilkerson started against the TSG Hawks on the 12th, throwing 89 pitches over 3 innings. He gave up 6 hits, struck out 2, walked 3, and allowed 5 earned runs, taking the loss. His ERA in 3 first-team appearances is a high 6.92, and he was sent down to the minors yesterday.
Guardians pitching coach Hsu Ming-Chieh mentioned in a pre-game interview today that Wilkerson seems to lack speed variation, and his pitches in the last two games have been too high, making them easy for batters to hit. It might also be an issue of adapting to the strike zone of Taiwanese umpires. There was already a plan to let Wilkerson rest in the minors, which coincided with his recent struggles.
However, Hsu Ming-Chieh also stated that Wilkerson's role as a starter will not change, as the team is not short on relievers. After a few days of rest, Wilkerson will have a regular start in the minor leagues, and they will re-evaluate when the time comes.
Shunsuke Suzuki is also with the first team today. Hsu Ming-Chieh said that Suzuki has pitched well in the minor leagues so far this season. Although his appearances were delayed due to minor discomfort, he is now ready. Suzuki will not be sent down to the minors again, and his next appearance is expected to be with the first team.
Guardians' head coach Terunori Goto also communicated extensively with Shunsuke Suzuki before the game today. They can communicate directly in Japanese. He joked that Suzuki is sometimes a bit slow on the uptake and asks a lot of questions, but he hopes Suzuki will continue to work hard. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150414
FAQ
Why was pitcher Aaron Wilkerson sent down to the minor leagues?
He was sent down to the minor leagues after a poor performance on April 12 against the TSG Hawks, where he started and gave up 5 runs in 3 innings, resulting in a loss.