Chen Chieh-hsien Scheduled for 4 Minor League Games, Could Return to Major League as Early as 24th

Uni-Lions outfielder Chen Chieh-hsien, who represented Taiwan in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) before the season, suffered a distal phalanx fracture in his left index finger due to a hit-by-pitch during the tournament. After resting and rehabilitating, he began playing in the CPBL minor league yesterday, tallying two walks in three plate appearances.

Uni-Lions Manager Lin Yueh-ping stated in a pre-game interview that Chen continues to play in the minor league today and will also play on the 21st and 22nd. These four minor league games will give him about 12 plate appearances. If Chen feels his condition is good enough to return to the major league after these games, fans might see him back on the active roster as early as the 24th, during the Lions' three-game series against the TSG Hawks at the Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Training Centers.

When asked if the team would step in to evaluate and potentially hit the brakes even if Chen feels ready, Lin Yueh-ping stated that the main purpose of the four minor league games is to let Chen get into the game rhythm and strengthen his familiarity with live pitching. If Chen himself thinks there is no problem, it means he is fully prepared. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150419