TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Gu Lin Ruei-yang (古林睿煬) returned to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (火腿隊) Thursday (Sept. 18) after recovering from an oblique muscle injury. The Taiwanese pitcher has been sidelined since June and will now strengthen the team's bullpen. The Fighters expect his return to bolster their relief pitching as they approach the season's final stretch.
Gu Lin sustained his injury during an interleague game against the Hanshin Tigers (阪神虎) on June 3. The pitcher completed more than two months of recovery and now prepares for his new relief role. Team manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (新庄剛志) stated the bullpen move is a reasonable adjustment that strengthens the team's defense with fewer than 11 regular-season games remaining.
Shinjo initially planned for Gu Lin to pitch from the bullpen this season. Gu Lin's impressive exhibition game performance earned him a starting pitcher assignment at the season's beginning. He started five games this season, securing two wins and one loss with a 2.70 ERA, including a complete game shutout known as a maddux.
Gu Lin was scheduled to pitch September 4 against the Oisix Niigata Albirex BC (Oisix新潟天鵝之皇) at the Fighters' minor league facility. Rain canceled the game, forcing him to participate in a practice session instead. He reached a top speed of 152 km/h (94.4 mph) during the workout, demonstrating his readiness for competition. ◼
