CPBL News: Liu Tzu-chieh’s Rise and Chu Cheng-yang’s Struggles

The Rakuten Monkeys have added outfielder Liu Tzu-chieh to their roster, a move that team officials say exceeded expectations. The acquisition took place at a wedding reception for a Lions scout, according to a report from Liberty Times.

Rakuten Monkeys’ team leader, Lin Yi-hua, expressed his satisfaction with the signing, stating the acquisition was “completely beyond expectations.” The team apparently leveraged the social setting of the wedding to finalize the deal.

Liu Tzu-chieh recently made headlines with a walk-off home run, and notably delivered the hit without receiving prior instructions from the dugout. Manager Tseng Hao-chu commented on Liu’s performance, stating, “He has very good ideas and his attacks are strategic,” as reported by United News Network.

This acquisition comes as the Monkeys continue to prepare for the upcoming season. Liu Tzu-chieh also demonstrated his fluency in English following his game-winning hit, according to a report from TVBS News.

Pitching Concerns for the Monkeys

Despite the positive addition to their lineup, the Rakuten Monkeys are facing some concerns on the pitching side. Starting pitcher Chu Cheng-yang has struggled in his last two outings. Manager Tseng Hao-chu, however, remains confident in Chu, urging him to trust his best pitches. According to MSN, Tseng acknowledged that Chu’s movements may have been anticipated by opposing batters, but stated he did not consider making a pitching change during the ninth inning.

The Monkeys boast a strong one-two pitching duo in Pedro Fernandez (15-2, 2.01 ERA) and Marcelo Martínez (13-8, 2.51 ERA), who were instrumental in eliminating the Uni-President Lions in the 2025 CPBL Playoff Series. Beau Sulser also pitched well in the playoffs, but injuries led to Caleb Baragar taking his place.

Recent Performance and Team Strategy

The team’s strategy appears to be focused on empowering players to make decisions at the plate. Manager Tseng Hao-chu’s comments regarding Liu Tzu-chieh’s walk-off home run highlight a willingness to allow players to utilize their own judgment and strategic thinking during crucial moments.

The Monkeys are hoping that the addition of Liu Tzu-chieh will provide a boost to their offensive capabilities, complementing their already strong pitching rotation. The team will need to address the recent struggles of Chu Cheng-yang to maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.

The Rakuten Monkeys will continue to refine their strategies and assess player performance as they aim for success in the CPBL. The team’s ability to balance offensive firepower with reliable pitching will be key to their championship aspirations.