Chang Yu-cheng Returns to Guardians' Starting Lineup; Fatigue Absence Linked to WBC

WBC Baseball Classic Top News

(CNA Reporter Su Chih-shui, New Taipei, 15th) CPBL Fubon Guardians slugger Chang Yu-cheng was absent from the game yesterday and didn't appear in outdoor practice beforehand, causing concern. Today he returned to the starting lineup and personally explained that his absence was "simply fatigue," the cause of which is related to his participation in the World Baseball Classic before the season.

In the first 9 games of the CPBL season for the Guardians this year, Chang Yu-cheng had started every game. Yesterday he did not start or play, and only took indoor batting practice before the game. Manager Mitsutaka Goto believes that consecutive games inevitably cause physical fatigue, but he will remain on the first-team roster.

Today, Chang Yu-cheng returned to the Guardians' starting lineup as the 3rd batter and designated hitter. Regarding his absence, he stated that he felt physically exhausted before the game and didn't want to affect the team's offense, so he informed the coach. His condition has improved now; previously it felt "a bit like heatstroke, a feeling of extreme exhaustion." His subsequent recovery relied on ice baths and massages.

Chang Yu-cheng participated in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) before the season this year. By starting his engine early, fatigue also arrived earlier. He mentioned that he encountered the same situation when he participated in the Classic in 2023 and returned to his MLB team. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150415