Astros pitcher Yu-Cheng Deng begins rehab assignment, pitches scoreless inning

Houston Astros pitcher Yu-Cheng Deng took a significant step toward returning to the mound as he began his rehabilitation assignment in the rookie league on July 11, 2026.

Deng, who was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier in July due to a right knee sprain, pitched one scoreless inning against the Miami Marlins' rookie team. He allowed one hit and one walk but managed to strike out one batter, showing promising signs of recovery.

This outing marks Deng's first game action since his injury. Earlier in the season, he started in the bullpen before transitioning to a starting role in mid-May. He had pitched 64 innings this season, with his last start on June 28 resulting in 3.2 innings pitched, 5 runs allowed (4 earned), and a rise in his ERA to 4.36.

Following that performance, Deng had been optioned to Triple-A, but the Astros later rescinded the decision, placing him on the injured list instead due to his knee issue. Manager Joe Espada has indicated that Deng will return to a bullpen role upon his full recovery.

Deng's performance in the rookie league, though brief, provides a positive update for the Astros as they look to integrate him back into their pitching staff.