As the second half of the 2024 Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) season progresses, here is a look at the top news and notes from the last week in Taiwan’s highest level of professional baseball.
Twins Select Former Uni-Lion Scott Blewett
On Saturday, the Minnesota Twins selected the contract of former CPBL right-handed pitcher Scott Blewett. The 28-year-old returns to an MLB mound after making one appearance for the Twins on August 12.
Blewett played one season in the CPBL with the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions in 2023 and posted a 3.95 ERA in seven games. On Monday, Blewett threw three relief innings for Minnesota, allowing no earned runs while striking out three.
Blewett could see more MLB innings this season than in 2020 and 2021, when he threw just eight combined. The Twins designated bullpen arm Trevor Richards for assignment on Tuesday, opening the door for a more significant role for Blewett on a contending team.
TSG Hawks Release Dominican LHP
Last Monday, the CPBL’s expansion franchise, the TSG Hawks, released Dominican left-handed pitcher Reymin Guduan. He had a poor 5.58 ERA in 30.2 innings.
Guduan has 14 games of MLB experience, beginning with the Houston Astros in 2017. He had minimal success in the CPBL with the Hawks after a good winter season showing in LIDOM with the Gigantes del Cibao, posting a 1.99 ERA in 20 games.
After his release from the Hawks, it seems unlikely Guduan will garner interest from MLB organizations. Just 32 years old, the lefty can pursue playing opportunities for another CPBL club or return home this winter for a possible reunion with the Gigantes del Cibao or another LIDOM team.
Yu Chang Delivers Walk-Off Home Run for Guardians
Former MLB utility man Yu Chang is making a lot of loud noise in his first season in the CPBL. Down 3-1 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth in last Wednesday’s game against the TSG Hawks, Chang drilled a three-run home run over the center field wall to send Guardians fans home happy.
Chang, 29, lifted his hands in the air as he rounded first base and headed toward second, filled with relief and excitement. Chang was the first overall pick in this year’s CPBL mid-season draft.
In 26 games with the Guardians, Chang is hitting .247 with a .914 OPS and six home runs. The righty was versatile during his time in MLB with the Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox, capable of playing every infield position besides catcher.
This Day in Taiwanese Baseball History
On August 28, 2022, the former President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, thanked the United States for donating COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan during the pandemic.
Tsai’s thank you was broadcast on the Citi Field video board during the New York Mets Annual Friends of Taiwan Day, which the team celebrated this season on August 17 against the Miami Marlins.
In the video, the former President introduced the 2010 CPBL MVP of the Year, Peng Ching-min, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The New York Mets Annual Friends of Taiwan Day is the longest-running Taiwan-themed celebration within the four professional sports leagues in the United States, starting in 2005.
CPBL Standings as of Wednesday, August 28
You can watch every Chinese Professional Baseball League game on DAZN.
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WBN CPBL: https://worldbaseball.com/?s=cpbl
Photo Credit: Yu Chang #18 of Chinese Taipei hits a grand slam at the bottom of the 2nd inning. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
