Taiwanese pitcher Liu Chih-Jung bids farewell to Red Sox after injury-plagued years

Taiwanese pitcher Liu Chih-Jung has announced his departure from the Boston Red Sox organization, ending a six-and-a-half-year tenure marked by significant injury struggles. The 27-year-old, once lauded as a promising "fireballer" with a fastball clocked at 158 kph (98 mph) during his college years, signed with the Red Sox in 2019 with a $750,000 bonus.

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Thank you Red Sox, for letting me fulfill my childhood dream of playing baseball in America. Over the past six and a half years, I have learned a lot and received care from many people.

However, Liu's journey in professional baseball has been significantly hampered by recurring injuries. He had a completely blank season in terms of appearances last year and began the current season on the 60-day injured list, remaining sidelined and without a game appearance for nearly two years. According to minor league official records, the Red Sox Double-A team has released him.

In a social media post early Tuesday morning Taiwan time, Liu shared an emotional farewell to the Red Sox. He thanked the team for helping him fulfill his childhood dream of playing baseball in the United States. Liu acknowledged the support he received upon arriving in the U.S., crediting individuals like Mickey and the entire team staff for aiding his adaptation and baseball development.

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The past three years have been difficult due to recurring injuries, but the team has always given me great help.

Reflecting on the past three years, Liu admitted to facing many difficult moments due to persistent injuries. He expressed gratitude for the team's continuous support and the encouragement from coaches, teammates, staff, and fans, which helped him face challenges. Liu stated his commitment to continue working hard, challenging himself, and striving for self-improvement, guided by the belief that "there is no place that can maintain the status quo right now."

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I will continue to work hard, continue to challenge myself, and pursue a better self. With the belief that 'there is no place that can maintain the status quo right now,' continue to work hard.