Chicago Cubs rookie first baseman Long has been confirmed to withdraw from the Chinese Taipei team in the Classic due to injury; a replacement will be announced later.

As the countdown to the World Baseball Classic progresses, unfortunate news came from the Chinese Taipei team today. Jonathon Long, playing for the Chicago Cubs, will withdraw from the Classic because his injury recovery is behind schedule. The coaching team plans to reveal the substitute after the Taiwan-Japan friendly match.

The CPBL issued a statement today, reporting that they received official notice from the Chicago Cubs this morning. Long has been experiencing persistent elbow soreness affecting his swing, and after a full evaluation by the team, it was confirmed he cannot recover before the tournament and must withdraw from the Chinese Taipei Classic team. Long was originally scheduled to join the team today but suffered a left elbow injury during a defensive collision on February 22 in spring training, which delayed his plans.

CPBL Commissioner Tsai Chi-chang expressed regret but wished him success in reaching the Major Leagues this year. Another player, Stuart Fairchild, is still expected to join the team tomorrow as planned.

The announcement expressed appreciation for Long’s strong desire to participate and wished him a speedy recovery and success in pursuing the Major Leagues this season. The Chinese Taipei team will carry Long’s spirit and determination as they unite and give their all in the Classic.

In an interview today, CPBL Commissioner Tsai Chi-chang revealed: “The Cubs called this morning to explain that Long’s soreness has not subsided, preventing him from being fully ready to compete. To protect the player, they had to decline his participation.” Tsai added that Long himself is very disappointed, “He was fully prepared. But a professional athlete’s career is long, especially since he is still so young. We wish him well and hope he performs strongly with the Cubs and gets a chance to reach the Major Leagues this year.”

Another mixed-heritage player, Stuart Fairchild, will board the plane to Taiwan as originally planned. Tsai disclosed that Fairchild will arrive before tomorrow’s exchange game between Chinese Taipei and the Nippon Ham Fighters, with all public events unchanged.

Other Taiwanese players currently attending spring training in the U.S. are being closely monitored by the Chinese Taipei coaching staff through the intelligence gathering team and the CPBL international department, tracking their game appearances and pitching videos while maintaining close communication.