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Wei-Yin Chen

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In thisChinese name,thefamily nameisChen.
Wei-Yin Chen
Chen with the Miami Marlins in 2019
Long Island Ducks – No. 52
Pitcher
Born:(1985-07-21)July 21, 1985(age 38)
Kaohsiung County,Taiwan
Bats:Right
Throws:Left
Professional debut
NPB:April 3, 2005, for the Chunichi Dragons
MLB:April 10, 2012, for the Baltimore Orioles
NPB[1]statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record37–33
Earned run average2.60
Strikeouts541
MLB statistics
(through 2019 season)
Win–loss record59–51
Earned run average4.18
Strikeouts846
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Wei-Yin Chen[2](Chinese:Trần vĩ ân;pinyin:Chén Wěiyīn;born July 21, 1985) is aTaiwaneseprofessional baseballpitcherfor theLong Island Ducksof theAtlantic League of Professional Baseball.He has previously played inMajor League Baseball(MLB) for theBaltimore OriolesandMiami Marlins,and inNippon Professional Baseball(NPB) for theChunichi Dragons,Chiba Lotte MarinesandHanshin Tigers.Because Chen was released from his guaranteed contract a few months before the2020 MLB seasonwas delayed due to the2020 coronavirus pandemic,Chen was the highest-paid baseball player that year at $22 million.[3]

Early life

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Wei-Yin Chen was born inKaohsiung County, Taiwan.He attended Ciao-Tou Junior High School[4]and Kaoyuan Vocational High School, which was also attended by former Major League pitcherTsao Chin-Huiand several otherChinese Professional Baseball Leagueplayers.[5]

Professional career

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Chunichi Dragons

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Chen with theChunichi Dragonsin 2011

He was a pitcher for theChunichi DragonsinNippon Professional Baseball(NPB) from 2004 through 2011. Chen hadTommy John surgeryat the end of 2006 season.[6]His best season in Japan came in2009when he posted a 1.54earned run average(ERA) to lead the league.[5]When he came out of the Nippon League,FanGraphsdescribed him as being an extremecontrol pitcherwith poor velocity.[7]A clause implemented into his contract with Chunichi allowed him to opt out after the 2011 season at age 26.[7]

Baltimore Orioles

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2012 season

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Chen pitching for theBaltimore Orioles in 2012

After the2011 season,Chen signed as an international free agent with theBaltimore Orioles.[8]Chen was the first Taiwanese player ever signed by the Orioles.[9]He made his MLB debut on April 10, 2012, against theNew York Yankeesin Baltimore. The game was broadcast live on national television in native Taiwan,[10]and Chen totaled 52⁄3innings and gave up two earned runs striking out six in a no-decision that the Orioles would later go on to lose in extra innings.[11]In total, Chen finished the season leading the team with 32 starts during which he totaled 12 wins and 11 losses and posted an ERA of 4.02 in 192.2 innings pitched.[12]In 2012, Chen was "the only constant in the (Orioles) rotation" and was consistent throughout the year.[13] Chen finished fourth in the AL for Rookie of the Year voting.

Chen pitching for theBaltimore Orioles in 2012ALDS Game, and earned the win.

2013 season

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Coming out of spring training, Chen won the number two spot in the Orioles' starting rotation behindJason Hammel.[14]Chen set a goal to throw 200 innings on the season. In his first three starts, he lacked run support and went 0–2 despite posting a 4.00 ERA.[15]On May 15, 2013, the Orioles placed Chen on the disabled list, his first-ever stint there, with an injury to his right oblique.[16]In his return from the disabled list on July 10, 2013, Chen pitched seven innings in a matchup against theTexas Rangersstriking out four and allowing three hits, earning the win.[17]Overall in 2013, Chen finished 7–7 with a 4.07 ERA in 23 starts. During the 2013 off-season, Chen underwent knee surgery to remove bone spurs.

2014 season

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Chen pitched a season-high of eight strikeouts in a win against theSeattle Marinerson August 1, 2014. He dedicated the win to victims of the2014 Kaohsiung gas explosions,which occurred hours earlier in his hometown.[18]On September 10, Chen picked up his 15th win of the season against theBoston Red Soxand carried aperfect gameinto the sixth inning untilDan Butler's first major league hit.[19]Chen finished the season with a 16–6 record and 3.54 ERA over185+2⁄3innings.[20]In game 3 of the2014 ALCSon October 14, Chen pitched5+1⁄3innings on 80 pitches and gave up 2 runs in a loss against theKansas City Royals.Chen became the firstTaiwanese pitcherto start anALCSgame.[21]

2015 season

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Chen pitching for theBaltimore Orioles in 2015Military Appreciation Day

On June 26, 2015, Chen became the second Taiwanese-born player to have 100 career starts in the major leagues (afterChien-Ming Wang), allowing two runs and striking out five over six innings in a no decision against theCleveland Indians.[22]Despite only recording a 4–5 record at the break, Chen pitched to a 2.78 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, along with 90 strikeouts in 110 innings over the first half of the season. Chen finished the season with an 11–8 record and a career-best 3.34 ERA over191+1⁄3innings pitched.[23][24]

Miami Marlins

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Chen with theMiami Marlins in 2018

2016 season

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On January 13, 2016, Chen agreed to a five-year contract worth US$80 million with theMiami Marlins.Chen was named the starting pitcher for the opening day of the2016 season,becoming the second Taiwanese pitcher to make a start on opening day sinceChien-Ming Wangin 2008.[25]On January 25, 2017, Chen was announced as the cover athlete for the Taiwanese version ofMLB The Show 17.[26]In his first season as a Marlin, Chen went 5–5 in 22 starts after spending some time on the disabled list with an injury. He posted the worst ERA of his career, finishing at 4.96 in 123 innings.

2017 season

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On April 8, Chen hit his first major league hit, an infield single offNew YorkstarterZack Wheeler. He was placed on the disabled list after 5 starts due to a partial UCL tear. He was activated off the disabled list on September 4 and would pitch out of the bullpen.

2018 season

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Chen made his first start on April 28 vs. theRockiesafter going almost a year without a big league start, getting the win, pitching5+1⁄3innings giving up just 1 run on 4 hits, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. On July 24, Chen hit his first major league double, offAtlanta Braves' starterJulio Teherán.

2019 season

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Chen was designated for assignment on November 20, 2019.[27]He was released and became a free agent on November 27.[28]

Seattle Mariners

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Chen with theSeattle Mariners in 2020 Spring Training

On January 30, 2020, Chen signed a minor league contract with theSeattle Mariners.[29]Chen was released by the Mariners organization on June 25, 2020.[30]Despite being released, Chen was the highest-paid baseball player of the2020 MLB seasonat $22 million.[3]

Chiba Lotte Marines

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On September 22, 2020, Chen signed with theChiba Lotte Marinesof NPB.[31]On December 2, 2020, he became a free agent.[32]

Hanshin Tigers

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On December 22, 2020, Chen signed with theHanshin Tigersof NPB for the 2021 season.[33]He made only two appearances for the main club, logging a 1–0 record and 3.86 ERA with 7 strikeouts across9+1⁄3innings pitched. Chen was released by Hanshin on June 29, 2022.

Long Island Ducks

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On April 2, 2024, Chen signed with theLong Island Ducksof theAtlantic League of Professional Baseball.[34]

International career

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Chen played for theTaiwanese national teamin the2004and2008Olympic Games.[35]

Scouting report

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Chen is an "extremeflyball pitcher",at one point having an HR/9 innings of 1.3, way above MLB average.[36]Chen pitches from a three-quarters arm slot and throws a four-seam fastball averaging 91–92 mph (tops out at 95–96 mph).[37]In addition, he throws a two-seamer, aslider,achangeup,and an occasionalcurveball.[37]Since he previously pitched in Japan where he started on five days rest rather than four, with the Orioles he initially had durability issues and was 0–4 in his last seven starts in 2012.[38]Chen has been described as a legitimate middle-of-the-rotation starter.[39][40]An opposing scout said, "I watched Wei-Yin Chen and swore I was watchingTom Glavine.He has such an effortless delivery and an above-average change up, and knows how to pitch inside. "[41]

Philanthropy

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In 2012, Chen started a baseball scholarship program for Taiwanese students, contributing funds based on statistical milestones reached per season. He expanded the charity's efforts in 2015, to cover animal protection and children's welfare.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^Nippon Professional Baseball.Cá nhân niên độ biệt thành tích 【チェン ( trần vĩ ân ) ( trung nhật ドラゴンズ ) 】(in Japanese). Nippon Professional Baseball.RetrievedJuly 19,2012.
  2. ^"Wei-Yin Chen Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio / Baltimore Orioles".MLB Advanced Media.RetrievedJuly 19,2012.
  3. ^abMLB salaries: How the 60-game shortened season impacts player salaries
  4. ^abTien, Yu-pin; Liu, Kay (November 23, 2015)."Baseball player Wei-Yin Chen sets up new charity fund".Central News Agency.RetrievedNovember 23,2015.
  5. ^abHuang, Paul (June 14, 2012)."Taiwan's Chen Wei-yin makes history".Taipei Times.RetrievedMarch 27,2013.
  6. ^Keh, Andrew (September 2, 2012)."Rookie Wei-Yin Chen is the constant in Baltimore's rotation".The New York Times.RetrievedMarch 27,2013.
  7. ^abGolebiewski, David (January 10, 2012)."Who is Wei- Yin Chen?".FanGraphs Fantasy Baseball.FanGraphs.RetrievedMarch 27,2013.
  8. ^Ghiroli, Brittany (January 10, 2012)."Wei-Yin Chen gives Orioles veteran left-handed starter".MLB.com: News.MLB Advanced Media.
  9. ^Chen, Albert (June 22, 2012)."Wei-Yin Chen just one of Baltimore Orioles' recent international signings".SI.com.Time.RetrievedMarch 27,2013.
  10. ^Encina, Eduardo (April 11, 2012)."Baltimore gets first glimpse of Chen, but falls short in 12".The Washington Post.Archived fromthe originalon April 9, 2016.RetrievedMarch 27,2013– viaHighBeam Research.
  11. ^"Wei-Yin Chen Game By Game Stats and Performance".Baltimore Orioles – ESPN.ESPN Internet Ventures.RetrievedMarch 27,2013.
  12. ^"Major League Baseball Stats".orioles.com: Stats.MLB Advanced Media.RetrievedMarch 28,2013.
  13. ^"Breaking down the Orioles starting rotation options".Camden Chat – SB Nation.Vox Media. February 15, 2013.RetrievedMarch 28,2013.
  14. ^White, R.J. (March 27, 2013)."Wei-Yin Chen named Orioles' No. 2 starter".CBSSports.com.CBS Interactive.RetrievedApril 3,2013.the source is in the scroll box in the center of the page; no permalink exists
  15. ^Ghiroli, Brittany (April 14, 2013)."Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees – April 14, 2013".MLB.com BAL Recap.MLB Advanced Media.RetrievedApril 16,2013.
  16. ^Associated Press (May 15, 2013)."Baltimore Orioles place Wei-Yin Chen on DL with oblique strain".ESPN.ESPN Internet Ventures.RetrievedJune 19,2013.
  17. ^"Orioles' Wei-Yin Chen beats Rangers in return from DL".USA TODAY.Associated Press. July 10, 2013.RetrievedJuly 11,2013.
  18. ^"Baltimore Orioles: A win for Wei-Yin Chen and for Taiwan".Birds Watcher.August 2, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
  19. ^Mark Brown (September 10, 2014)."Orioles beat Red Sox 10-6; Wei-Yin Chen picks up 15th win of the year".Camden Chat.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
  20. ^"MLB.com Gameday".RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
  21. ^Baltimore Sun (October 15, 2014)."Wei-Yin Chen was good, but Orioles needed better to beat Royals".baltimoresun.com.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
  22. ^"Chen makes welcome return to O's rotation".Baltimore Orioles.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
  23. ^Baltimore Sun (October 3, 2015)."Wei-Yin Chen makes perhaps last Orioles start in doubleheader sweep of Yankees".baltimoresun.com.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
  24. ^Gleeman, Aaron (November 13, 2015)."Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen decline qualifying offers from Orioles".HardballTalk.NBC Sports.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
  25. ^Marlins name Wei-Yin Chen starter for Opening Day; Jose Fernandez to start second game
  26. ^Russell, Ramone (January 25, 2017)."MLB The Show 17: Retro Mode Details, Regional Cover Athletes Revealed".blog.us.playstation.com.RetrievedJanuary 25,2017.
  27. ^Why the Miami Marlins decided to designate Wei-Yin Chen for assignment
  28. ^Frisaro, Joe (November 27, 2019)."Chen released by Marlins, becomes free agent".MLB.com.RetrievedJune 27,2020.
  29. ^Johns, Greg (February 11, 2020)."Chen, Mariners agree to Minors deal".MLB.com.RetrievedJune 27,2020.
  30. ^Sie, Jing-wun; Ko, Lin (June 27, 2020)."Wei-Yin Chen released from minor league, becomes free agent".Central News Agency.RetrievedJune 27,2020.
  31. ^"Wei-Yin Chen Signs with NPB's Chiba Lotte Marines".
  32. ^"2020 niên độ tự do khế ước tuyển thủ".NPB.jp nhật bổn dã cầu cơ cấu(in Japanese).RetrievedJanuary 10,2021.
  33. ^"Ngoại quốc nhân tuyển thủ との khế ước hợp ý について".Phản thần タイガース công thức サイト(in Japanese). December 22, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 10,2021.
  34. ^"Wei-Yin Chen Signs With Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks".mlbtraderumors.com.RetrievedApril 2,2024.
  35. ^"Chen Wei-Yin".Olympics at Sports-Reference.com.Archived fromthe originalon April 18, 2020.RetrievedMay 12,2012.
  36. ^"2013 Baseball Preview & Player Rankings".MLB.com: News.Player number 324: MLB Advanced Media.RetrievedMarch 28,2013.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: location (link)
  37. ^ab"Wei-Yin Chen Ptich Type".FanGraphs Baseball.FanGraphs.RetrievedSeptember 5,2015.
  38. ^Reynolds, Drew (December 20, 2012)."Wei-Yin Chen – Baltimore Orioles Starting Rotation Options for 2013".Bleacher Report.Turner Broadcasting System.RetrievedMarch 28,2013.
  39. ^Stoner, Chris (February 28, 2013)."2013 Projections: Wei-Yin Chen".Baltimore Sports and LifeBaltimore Sports and Life.RetrievedMarch 28,2013.
  40. ^Sports Network (March 26, 2013)."Baltimore Orioles 2013 Preview".Fox News.Philadelphia: FOX News Network.RetrievedMarch 28,2013.
  41. ^Reiter, Ben (April 1, 2013),"Baseball Preview",Sports Illustrated,p. 76,retrievedMarch 28,2013
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