From Worst Season to Top Closer: Wang Chien-ming Analyzes Brothers' Most Reliable Relief Pitcher

C.T. Brothers pitcher Lu Yen-ching has made a remarkable comeback, transforming from a struggling player in his most difficult season last year to the current leader in saves in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

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Although his fastball velocity has not recovered to the level when he first entered the CPBL, his pitching quality has become a bit more flexible.

Lu has recorded 20 saves this season, reclaiming the form that made him a first-round draft pick. Despite this success, pitching coach Wang Chien-ming observes that Lu's fastball velocity has not yet reached the peak levels seen when he first entered the league. However, Wang notes a significant improvement in the overall quality and flexibility of his pitching.

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Last year, Lu Yen-ching's four-seam fastball averaged 140 kph, with an ERA of 5.65, marking his worst season. Wang Chien-ming believes Lu was affected by fatigue from playing 50 games for three consecutive seasons.

Last year, Lu's four-seam fastball averaged 140 kph, and his ERA was a career-worst 5.65. Wang attributes this slump to accumulated fatigue from playing 50 games for three consecutive seasons. This year, his fastball averages 142 kph, still one kph slower than in 2023, but his effective use of sliders and changeups has allowed him to dominate CPBL hitters.

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This year, Lu's four-seam fastball has returned to an average of 142 kph, still 1 kph slower than in 2023. However, thanks to the excellent entry angle of his slider and changeup, he has effectively suppressed CPBL hitters.

Lu has been particularly effective against the Uni-Lions, pitching 10.1 scoreless innings against them this season. Wang believes Lu's curveball could still improve, noting that its release point can be inconsistent, sometimes making it easier for batters to hit or resulting in a slow spin. He emphasizes the need for better situational use of this pitch.

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The curveball can still be better. Sometimes, perhaps knowing the batter will hit it well, the release point is not good, or the spin is very slow. It still depends on the situation to use that curveball.