MiLB: Control Falls Apart as Taiwanese Fireballer Walks Nine in Two Games

Lin Ruei-jie's fastball has drawn attention in the United States, but his control has quickly become the bigger story. The 24-year-old made his second career appearance in affiliated baseball for the Minnesota Twins' Class A team and again struggled to throw strikes.

Facing the Philadelphia Phillies' Class A club, Lin worked one inning before leaving. He did not allow a hit, but issued three walks and hit one batter. He struck out one and gave up two runs, leaving him with a 63.00 earned-run average.

The outing followed an even rougher debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates' Class A team. Lin recorded no outs, allowed two hits, walked four batters and hit another. He surrendered five earned runs and took the loss.

Across his first two games, Lin has now issued nine walks or hit batters. His command needs major improvement as he tries to establish himself in professional baseball.

Lin previously attended National Taiwan Sport University and entered Taiwan's professional baseball draft in 2023 and 2024 without being selected. While studying for a graduate degree in physical education, health and recreation at National Cheng Kung University in 2025, he returned for another rookie tryout. He reached 152 kph, but teams again passed on him.

This year, Lin joined a U.S. draft league and reached 158 kph, attracting the attention of professional clubs. He eventually signed with the Twins, becoming National Cheng Kung University's first player to go to the United States.