Ni was called up to the Major Leagues in June 2009, becoming the sixth Taiwanese player to enter Major League Baseball. He is also the first player to transition from the CPBL to MLB. Ni made his major league debut on June 29, 2009, against the Oakland Athletics.
Playing career
Chinatrust Whales
Ni was drafted by the CPBL team Chinatrust Whales in 2005. He signed with the team in early 2007 and played for the entire CPBL 2007 and 2008 seasons. In the two years Ni had a 12–24 record with seven holds, four saves and a 3.43 ERA in 267+2⁄3 inning pitched. Ni won the CPBL strikeout Champion Award in 2008 season with 132 strikeouts.
Ni signed as a free agent with the Detroit Tigers on January 13, 2009. He was assigned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens of the International League. In 24 games with the Mud Hens, Ni went 3–0 with a 2.60 ERA, and 32 strikeouts. Ni was called up on June 28, 2009, to replace the injured Nate Robertson.[4][5] Ni is the sixth Taiwanese player to enter Major League Baseball, and the fourth pitcher.[6] He made his debut on June 29, 2009, against the Oakland Athletics, allowing one run in 1.2 innings with 3 strikeouts. The first major league batter he faced was slugger Jason Giambi, and Ni struck him out. Ni pitched 36 games with the Tigers in 2009 and compiled no wins or losses with a 2.61 ERA and 21 strikeouts.
After accumulating a 6.65 ERA in 2010, Ni was optioned to the back to the Mud Hens on June 30, 2010.[7]
In February 2011 the Tigers listed him as a non-roster invitee to spring training camp.[8]
On March 22, he was assigned to the Mud Hens.[9] He was 6–3 with a 3.24 ERA in 34 games (including 12 starts). Ni was released by the Tigers on August 7, 2012, after he was 2–2 with a 4.56 ERA in 7 games (5 starts) during the 2012 season.
Los Angeles Dodgers
After not playing during the 2013 season, Ni was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers to a minor league contract on December 13, 2013. However, he was released on March 31, 2014.
On July 10, 2014, Ni was traded to the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League. He was released on September 8. In 11 starts 61 innings he went 2-5 with a 4.72 ERA with 58 strikeouts and throwing 1 complete game.
On January 28, 2015, Ni re-signed with the Riversharks for the 2015 season. He was released on May 31. In 7 starts 40 innings he went 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA 30 strikeouts.
Fubon Guardians
On June 30, 2015, Ni signed with the Fubon Guardians of the CPBL. After the 2020 season he elected free agency.
CTBC Brothers
Ni signed a one month contract with the CTBC Brothers of the CPBL for the 2021 season. After failing to secure a contract extension, he left the team on May 24, 2021.[10]
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