CPBL: Brothers' rising star Lu Meng-yang sets strikeout record in minor league demotion

CPBL prospect Lu Meng-yang has made a strong impression since his reassignment to the minor league, achieving a new team record for consecutive strikeouts. In his first start for the CTBC Brothers' farm team against the Rakuten Monkeys, the 22-year-old pitcher struck out five batters in a row, tying the team's record for consecutive batters retired via strikeout in the minor league.

Lu pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and throwing only 41 pitches. His fastball was clocked at up to 150 kph. This dominant performance came after a difficult stretch in the major league, where he struggled with control, issuing five walks in 5.1 innings over five appearances. One particularly rough outing saw him issue three walks in a single inning, prompting a call from manager Wang Chien-ming that Lu later apologized for.

During that difficult period, Wang Chien-ming advised Lu, "You don't need to apologize to me. Your performance on the field is what you need to own. You need to show the performance you want to achieve. I still hope they continue to work hard." Lu's recent success in the minor league suggests he is taking that advice to heart and could be a candidate for a starting role, potentially aiming for his first career win as a starter.

The young pitcher's turnaround offers a hopeful sign for the CTBC Brothers, who will be looking to leverage his improved performance. His ability to rebound and demonstrate such strong pitching after a period of struggle highlights his potential and resilience.

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You don't need to apologize to me. Your performance on the field is what you need to own. You need to show the performance you want to achieve. I still hope they continue to work hard.