Australian pitcher Jack O'Loughlin joins Taiwan’s CTBC Brothers to bolster the staff

The CTBC Brothers of Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League announced the signing of 26‑year‑old Australian left‑hander Jack O'Loughlin. O'Loughlin, who debuted in Major League Baseball in May 2024 and previously pitched in the Korean‑KBO for the Samsung Lions, brings a height of 196 cm, a weight of 101 kg and experience from the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he earned a win against the Chinese national team. The club, whose team earned a league‑lowest ERA of 4.22 and a .352 winning percentage this season, hopes the newcomer will improve the struggling pitching rotation and relieve pressure on the bullpen. Pitching coach Wang Jian‑min said O'Loughlin will make his first appearance with the farm team on July 31, targeting three innings to regain game rhythm. The signing also intensifies competition among the team’s foreign pitchers and raises concerns for current import Félix Peña’s role.