TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese pitcher Gu Lin Ruei-yang (古林睿煬) resumed bullpen training with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (北海道日本火腿鬥士隊) Friday (Oct. 3) after his condition proved less severe than feared. Japanese media reported his recovery enables preparation for the upcoming Climax Series, Japan's professional baseball playoffs. The development follows his recent minor league assignment due to upper-body discomfort.
Gu Lin suffered an oblique muscle injury June 3, sidelining him for over three months before returning Sept. 18. He struggled in his comeback against Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (福岡軟銀鷹), allowing two runs including a home run in 0.1 innings. Five days later against Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (樂天金鷲), he surrendered another home run and two runs across two innings.
Gu Lin returned to minor leagues Sept. 28 due to upper-body discomfort and declining performance. Fighters pitching coach Kato Takeharu (加藤武治) confirmed the condition was less severe than initially feared after Gu Lin missed his Sept. 30 start. The coach stated team concerns about Climax Series availability but confirmed Gu Lin's return to training and bullpen work.
Gu Lin compiled a 2-2 record with 3.62 ERA across seven appearances this season, including five starts over 32.1 innings. He recorded 34 strikeouts during his injury-shortened campaign with the Fighters. Fans anticipate his return to peak form as the Climax Series approaches, marking a crucial playoff opportunity. ◼