TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese utility infielder Chang Yu-cheng (張育成) for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB) announced on Tuesday (June 18) over social media that he intends to return and play professional baseball in Taiwan via an upcoming draft.

Chang is expected to be selected by the Fubon Guardians, who hold the number one pick in the draft. After picking him, he is expected to sign for a record salary for Taiwan’s professional baseball league, per CNA.

Chang posted, "It’s been ten years working away from home, I miss home very much, therefore I’ve decided to enter the 2024 CPBL draft. I really appreciate that the Rays organization has been very understanding and supportive of my decision. I’m currently in Florida playing rehab games, will be 100% healthy and get back to the game soon!"

At the start of this year’s baseball season, Chang returned to the Rays on a minor league contract with a monthly salary of about US$36,000 (NT$1.12 million). However, he soon suffered a left oblique muscle strain during spring training, which kept him out of the lineup until May.

When Chang was eventually able to return to the field, he encountered an injury while fielding, finding himself on the disabled list once again. His struggle to remain healthy during this year’s season was an impetus for him to return to Taiwan.

Chang appeared in 39 games for the Boston Red Sox in the MLB last year. His stats included six home runs, 18 RBIs, and a batting average of 0.162. Chang’s career included extended play for the Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.

He has appeared in a total of 235 MLB games, hitting 20 home runs, 79 RBIs, and a career batting average of .204.