He's determined to make history. Chen Mu-heng, pitcher from Taiwan who rose through the ranks of the farm system and was promoted to the main Mu-heng Chen at the end of July, and who will now wear number "92," is eager to make this first-ever number in the team's history a memorable one.
"To be honest, I got off to a slow start (due to injury), and it hasn't been long since I returned. I haven't been able to perform at my best yet, so I think it happened sooner than I expected." Chen spoke frankly about his feelings at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, on July 30, the day his promotion to the main roster was announced.
Chen represented Taiwan at the 13th BFA U18 Asian Championship in September 2024. He started against South Korea, pitching 5 1/3 innings, hit only 2 hits, strike out 7, and giving up no runs. Against Japan, hit, strike out 2, and giving up no runs, contributing to Taiwan's first championship in 6 tournaments. With interest from Major League teams, he signed a development contract with Orix Buffaloes in October of the same year and participated in their autumn training camp in November.
Last season, his first year, he made five appearances, posting a record of 1-0 with a ERA of 1.17. This season, in which he was expected to make a big leap forward, he injured his right elbow toward the end of spring training and returned to competitive action on June 9 in an exhibition game against an independent league team.His appearances in the minor leagues regular season were limited to two games (6 inning 69 pitches, 1 run allowed hit, 4 walks strike out, 0 walks Hit by Pitch, 0 hit-by-pitch runs, 0.00 ERA ERA), but he was highly regarded for his promising recovery—including a top speed of 152 km—and his raw talent, leading to his promotion to the major league roster. His number is “92.”According to team officials, this marks the first time a player has worn the Orix Buffaloes, which was established in 1989.
Initially, he struggled with the differences between the ball used in Taiwan and Japan, but he overcame this through experience. During his time off due to injury, he studied how to use his body to increase his power output and how to throw in a way that reduced the strain on his elbow. He also increased his muscle mass through weight training and gained 11 kg since joining the team.
The success of players of the same generation from Taiwan, pitcher Nippon-Ham 's Sun Yi-Lei Sun-Lei, Softbank Hawks 's Chun-Wei Chang Jun-Wei, pitcher Yakult 's pitcher, also served as encouragement. Chang was a classmate in high school and in the same class, and Shosei was a classmate in middle school. Sun was added to the main roster in May of last year, and Chang was added a little earlier on July 27, but Sun revealed, "Chang was the ace of my high school team and a really great pitcher. I wasn't frustrated (that he got ahead of me). I have my own pace. I thought about growing at my own pace without comparing myself to others, and I didn't get discouraged."
Although Shosei missed out on a spot on the active roster this season, he started in a second-team exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes (Sugimoto Shoji Bs) on August 7, pitching five innings on 73 pitches. He allowed hit 2, strike out 3, BB 1, and no runs, earning his third win of the season.The day before, the two reportedly had dinner together for the first time in six months and praised each other’s strong performances. Two days after being added to the active roster, Chen pitched as the third reliever in a game against Softbank Hawks (at Tamasta Chikugo), throwing 2 2/3 innings on 65 pitches, allowing hit 0, strike out 2, BB 4, and 1 runs to earn his first win of the season.He hopes to start. Looking ahead to his upcoming start, he expressed his determination, saying, “I want to minimize Walk, reduce my pitch count, and pitch through the fifth inning.” Aiming for the first team mound, he will create a new “92” milestone number.
Interview and text by Masaki Kitano
