Chinese Taipei has made a late adjustment to its starting rotation for the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifier, naming TSG Hawks submariner Yu-Hung Chen to start against Spain’s Elián Leyva on Feb. 21 at 6 a.m. EST at Taipei Dome. The decision shifts from the previously announced starter, Jo-Hsi Hsu.
International Baseball researcher, Jeff Duda sourced the information from Yihsuan Wang, member of the Taiwan Baseball Journalists and Writers Association on Feb. 20.
In a surprising move, TSG Hawks submariner Yu-Hung Chen will be starting for Taiwan against Spain. The Spaniards will be starting Elián Leyva https://t.co/Xt7CutvpVF
— Jeff Duda (@INTLBaseball24) February 20, 2025
Ranked No. 2 in the world, Chinese Taipei enters the WBC Qualifiers at home after being eliminated from Pool A of the 2026 tournament by the Team Quality Balance (TQB) run differential rule, despite finishing with the same 2-2 record as Cuba, Panama, Italy, and the Netherlands. With impressive depth, they now look to secure their place in the next WBC by advancing through Pool B, which includes No. 24 Spain, No. 16 Nicaragua, and No 24 South Africa.
Chen, a 5-foot-10 right-hander, relies on a low-velocity, sidearm delivery designed to create movement and deception. Last season in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), he posted a 4.50 ERA over 48 innings, including six starts. A 2023 CPBL All-Star, he helped the Hawks win a minor league championship, throwing 7 1/3 shutout innings in the title game.
His arsenal includes a fastball, slider, and changeup, with his submarine motion adding an extra layer of difficulty for opposing hitters. Spain’s lineup features Edison Valerio, Wander Encarnación and Daniel Jiménez, three of the top performers from Pool A, who will now face Chen’s unique delivery.
Chinese Taipei is managed by Hao-Jiu Tseng, while Spain is led by Nelson Prada. Taiwanese media have not confirmed whether former MLB pitcher Chien-Ming Wang will return as pitching coach, a role he held during their 2024 Premier12 championship run.
Thirteen-year CPBL veteran pitcher Yueh-ping Lin will be in charge of the pitching staff for Chinese Taipei at the 2025 WBCQ.
With Taipei Dome set to provide an electric atmosphere, the spotlight will be on Chen’s submarine approach as he takes the mound in an unexpected opening-day start.
For the full Chinese Taipei roster, click here.
