Rakuten Monkeys Catcher Chang Min-hsun Recalled to First Team After Nearly Four Months

The Rakuten Monkeys are set to make a roster move, recalling catcher Chang Min-hsun to the first team. This marks Chang's return after a significant absence of nearly four months, having last played in the top league on April 20.

This season has seen limited action for Chang, who has appeared in only 10 games with a batting average of .143. This contrasts sharply with his performance last year, where he played in 95 games with a .299 average, contributing to the team's Taiwan Series championship. Chang was a first-round draft pick in 2016 and had worked for years to achieve his career-best season in 2023.

Rakuten Monkeys manager Tseng Hao-chu acknowledged Chang's hitting prowess as a key strength. However, he explained that Chang's offensive production had not been up to par at the start of the season amidst strong competition, leading to fewer opportunities. Tseng expressed confidence that with adjustments, Chang could see more playing time.

The immediate reason for Chang's recall is the discomfort experienced by fellow catcher Yen Hung-chun, who felt unwell on the previous day. Chang is currently slated to primarily serve as a pinch hitter upon his return to the first team.