CPBL: Fan Kuo-chen eyes Home Run Derby, wants Lin Che-hsuan to pitch

Fubon Guardians' Fan Kuo-chen celebrated his first home run in over a month on May 30, a solo shot that tied the game against the CTBC Brothers. The long ball was his sixth of the season. Fan, who had previously injured his left hand, stated that the injury no longer significantly impacts his play. He expressed excitement about hitting a home run again, especially since it helped his team tie the score.

Fan is currently ranked fifth in the Home Run Derby fan vote, making him a strong contender for one of the eight available spots. He admitted that participating in the derby has been a long-standing goal. "As long as it's safe, I'm aiming to participate," he said. "If I don't hit any home runs, I'll do some charity work."

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As long as it's safe, I'm aiming to participate. If I don't hit any home runs, I'll do some charity work.

Despite his interest in the derby, Fan playfully suggested that veteran player Lin Che-hsuan, now a coach, should not participate as a player due to his age and risk of injury. However, Fan thought Lin would be a good choice to pitch during the event, noting his fast pitches. Lin, who played in his retirement game on April 5, is still eligible for the All-Star Game fan vote.

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He's already a coach and doesn't practice. He's getting older, so he should just be a coach. If you let him out there, he'll try too hard and get injured. But it would be good to have him pitch, his balls are quite fast.