Taiwanese Pitcher Teng Kai-wei to Make First Start of Season for Astros

Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei is set to make his highly anticipated season debut as a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros, facing the Baltimore Orioles on April 29th. This marks a significant moment for Teng, who has been primarily used as a reliever this season, showcasing impressive form with a 2.16 ERA in 11 appearances.

His performance as a reliever has been a bright spot for the Astros, who have struggled with a bullpen ERA of 6.31, the worst in MLB. Teng's versatility and improved velocity, with his fastball averaging 95 mph, make him a valuable asset. The Athletic's Chandler Rome speculates he might pitch 2-3 innings with 35-45 pitches, a cautious approach given his previous role.

Last year with the Giants, Teng had a 6.37 ERA in 8 games, with 7 starts. This season's move to the Astros and his new role highlight his development. The Astros themselves are in a tough spot, sitting last in the AL West with an 11-18 record, underscoring the need for strong performances from all their players, including Teng.

This upcoming start is not just a personal milestone for Teng but also a potential boost for the struggling Astros. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can replicate his relief success in a starting role, offering a glimmer of hope for the team's season.