Brothers’ highly touted 22-year-old left-hander could return to the top league

CTBC Brothers are preparing to add one of their most anticipated young starters to the 60-man roster. Chang Tsu-en, a 22-year-old left-hander, could return to Taiwan’s top league in the second half of the season after a three-year absence.

The club has actively developed Chang as a starting pitcher. He threw 85 innings in the minor league in 2024 and posted a 2.96 earned-run average, but doctors diagnosed a torn ligament in his left elbow at the start of the 2025 season.

Chang made his first comeback in July. His fastest pitch reached 145 kph, and he struck out five while allowing one run over three innings as a starter on Aug. 15.

Pitching coach Wang Chien-ming said Chang’s velocity has remained between 144 and 145 kph. Wang cautioned that a return would likely come in a relief role rather than as a starter, giving Chang a chance to gain experience without a major increase in his pitch count.

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He should have a chance to come up and give it a try this year, but he would not be used as a starter. His pitch count probably cannot increase that much, so the main purpose would be for him to gain some experience.