CPBL: Yu Chien returns to top team in 'very special' new relief role
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Pitcher Yu Chien has been called up to the CPBL's top team after a period in the minor league.
- He will take on a new role as a relief pitcher, preparing earlier than other bullpen pitchers.
- Yu Chien aims to help the bullpen by pitching multiple innings when needed.
Brothers pitcher Yu Chien returns to the top team today after a long absence. He mentioned watching the team's recent struggles on broadcast and felt he might get the call-up. "I immediately packed my bags from Douliu and headed to Pingtung to get my luggage, then traveled to Taipei the next morning. The travel expenses were quite a bit!"
I immediately packed my bags from Douliu and headed to Pingtung to get my luggage, then traveled to Taipei the next morning. The travel expenses were quite a bit!
Initially preparing as a starting pitcher in the minor league, Yu Chien found it challenging. After discussing with pitching coach Eddie Butler, he transitioned to a relief role. This change proved unexpectedly successful, with his fastball consistently reaching 145-146 kph.
Yu Chien revealed his new role involves preparing earlier than other bullpen pitchers, as he may be called upon to enter games in critical situations or pitch multiple innings to ease the burden on the bullpen. "Eddie told me that when I start pitching from the bullpen, I need to be ready to go, with my body already warmed up," he said. "I'll try to pitch as many innings as I can to reduce the workload on the bullpen, as they've been quite busy lately."
Eddie told me that when I start pitching from the bullpen, I need to be ready to go, with my body already warmed up. I'll try to pitch as many innings as I can to reduce the workload on the bullpen, as they've been quite busy lately.
Reflecting on teammate Song Cheng-rui's 153 kph fastball, Yu Chien expressed confidence in his own abilities, stating, "He's amazing, I can do it too, I believe in myself."
He's amazing, I can do it too, I believe in myself.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.