Uni-President Lions Release Lin Zihui and Two Players; Coach Yeping Explains

The Uni‑President 7‑Eleven Lions have been making roster adjustments as the professional baseball season progresses, and the decision to release three players has drawn attention and discussion. Head coach Lin Yeping explained the rationale behind the simultaneous release of pitcher Lin Ziwai, pitcher Jiang Chengfeng, and infielder Wang Huanyou during a media interview. Throughout the long season, the team must continually evaluate players’ health, injury recovery, and the overall competitive needs to make difficult choices that best serve the club’s interests.

The release of young infielder Wang Huanyou has been a particular point of curiosity for fans. Coach Lin noted that Wang’s wrist injury required high‑concentration autologous growth factor injections, commonly known as PRP therapy. According to the original medical assessment and treatment plan, Wang needed a third PRP injection to ensure a stable recovery. However, given the timing of the season and whether the player could catch up with the schedule, the club determined that administering the third dose would not provide meaningful on‑field contribution at this stage. To protect both the player and the roster, the decision was made to release Wang, allowing the young talent to focus fully on recovery without concern.

Pitcher Lin Ziwai’s situation was complicated by a rare and challenging health issue. Coach Lin revealed that Lin had previously contracted shingles, a disease caused by the varicella‑zoster virus that can cause severe nerve pain and significant fatigue for athletes. Even after treatment and rest, Lin’s physical condition never returned to the level required of a professional pitcher. In baseball, even minor discrepancies in physical readiness can affect pitching performance. After assessing that Lin could not regain his former form in the short term, the team had no choice but to release him.

The other released pitcher, Jiang Chengfeng, had been a key veteran in the Lions’ bullpen for many years. He had long served as the team’s middle‑relief anchor, using his experience and steady pitching mindset to preserve leads in critical moments. As age and the cumulative strain of high‑intensity professional play take their toll, players often develop chronic fatigue or wear. While Coach Lin did not detail Jiang’s specific injury in the brief statement, releasing a veteran typically reflects longer‑term strategic considerations or a desire to give seasoned players ample time to recover and adjust.

Player releases and registrations during a season are a delicate balancing act. Each release reflects the coaching staff’s precise assessment of competitive needs and the unfortunate compromises required by player health. Whether a young athlete faces a treatment schedule that cannot be met, a middle‑generation pitcher battles disease, or a veteran’s role is reassigned, these moves underscore the harsh realities of professional sports. By making this roster change, the Lions free up space for other healthy, available players and hope that the injured athletes can use the opportunity to heal fully.

For the Lions, the current season’s competition has entered a heated phase, and any positional shift could influence playoff ticket sales or the championship outcome. The coaching staff must balance the pursuit of immediate results with the protection of player assets. By publicly explaining the releases of Lin Ziwai, Jiang Chengfeng, and Wang Huanyou, Coach Lin Yeping demonstrated responsibility toward fans and media and offered insight into the internal logic of a professional baseball team facing a surge of injuries and roster adjustments. Whether these players can return to the field after recovery or further conditioning will be a key indicator for the club’s future planning.