Taiwanese pitcher Hsü Jo-hsi has been reassigned to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ secondary squad following a challenging outing against the Orix Buffaloes, according to team management. The decision aligns with the club’s pre-established development plan for the young right-hander, who is being given time to refine his mechanics and regain consistency away from the high-pressure environment of Nippon Professional Baseball’s first team.
Hsü’s most recent appearance came on April 17, 2026, at the Fukuoka PayPay Dome, where he lasted just 1.2 innings as the starting pitcher against Orix. During that brief outing, he allowed seven runs on six hits, including two home runs, while issuing four walks and hitting one batter. He recorded only one strikeout before being removed from the game, marking the shortest start of his professional career in Japan.
The performance caused his earned run average to rise significantly from a season-low 0.69 to 4.91, according to official game statistics released by Nippon Professional Baseball. Despite the results, SoftBank Hawks manager Yuki Kogure publicly defended Hsü after the game, stating that such outcomes are part of baseball and expressing confidence in the pitcher’s ability to bounce back.
“In baseball, there are times like this,” Kogure said in a post-game interview reported by multiple Japanese sports outlets. “I told him directly: ‘Next time, just get it back.'” The manager emphasized that the decision to send Hsü to the minor leagues was not punitive but part of a structured plan to support his long-term development.
Hsü, who joined the SoftBank Hawks organization ahead of the 2025 season, had shown promise in his early appearances, maintaining a strong ground-ball rate and generating swings and misses with his high-velocity fastball. But, his recent struggles have included difficulty locating pitches consistently and an increased reliance on fastballs in hitter’s counts, which opponents have begun to exploit.
The move to the secondary squad allows Hsü to function closely with the team’s pitching coaches in a less scrutinized setting. Reports indicate he will follow a customized training regimen focused on improving command, refining his secondary pitches, and building stamina through extended simulated game situations.
SoftBank Hawks officials have not announced a specific timeline for Hsü’s potential return to the first-team roster, noting that the decision will be based on his performance in secondary league games and assessments by the coaching staff. The organization reiterated its commitment to patience with young pitchers, citing the importance of managing workload and development progression carefully.
Hsü remains under contract with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028. His current status places him among several Taiwanese pitchers active in Nippon Professional Baseball, a league that has seen increasing interest from Taiwanese talent in recent years due to improved posting systems and growing cultural exchange between the two baseball communities.
As of April 18, 2026, the SoftBank Hawks hold an 11-7 record in Pacific League play, tying them for first place with the Orix Buffaloes following their recent loss. The team continues to monitor Hsü’s progress closely, with coaching staff indicating that any return to the first team will depend on demonstrated improvement in pitch control and competitive readiness.
For ongoing updates on Hsü Jo-hsi’s status and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ pitching developments, fans can refer to the team’s official website and Nippon Professional Baseball’s statistical database, which are updated regularly throughout the season.
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