Hsu Jo-hsi Returns to First-Team Mound on the 31st, Aiming for Second NPB Win

CNA Taipei, May 30. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks pitcher Hsu Jo-hsi, who was sent to the minor leagues on May 5 for adjustments, threw a complete-game shutout in his minor league start on May 22. He is scheduled to return to the first-team rotation tomorrow to face the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, aiming for his second career win in Japan's top league. The 25-year-old pitcher's last first-team appearance was on May 4 against the Seibu Lions, where he allowed two home runs and seven earned runs over four innings, taking the loss. He has lost his last three first-team starts, allowing seven runs in each of his last two appearances. After the May 4 loss, Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo noted that Hsu seemed to have lost confidence and needed time in the minor leagues to adjust. Since being sent down, Hsu pitched five innings and allowed two runs on May 15, followed by a complete-game shutout against Hiroshima on May 22, where he threw 87 pitches and recorded 10 strikeouts. After the game, Kokubo mentioned that Hsu's pitches were in good condition and his pitching mechanics had not changed significantly, with adjustments primarily focused on non-technical aspects. Hsu himself told Japanese media that he felt his control was improving. The Hawks are currently in a three-game series against Hiroshima at Fukuoka Dome, and Hsu is expected to start tomorrow. To date, Hsu has made four first-team starts, pitching 18.2 innings, allowing five home runs and 15 earned runs, with a record of 1-3 and a 7.23 ERA. He will strive for his second first-team win in tomorrow's game.