Kai-Wei Deng to Start Against Tigers, Paving Way for Historic 'Taiwan Pitcher vs. Batter' Duel with Hao-Yu Lee

(CNA website) Houston Astros Taiwanese pitcher Kai-Wei Deng is scheduled to make a starting appearance at 8:10 a.m. Taiwan time on June 16 against the Detroit Tigers. With fellow Taiwanese standout Hao-Yu Lee returning to Major League Baseball on June 14, there is now a real chance for the first-ever 'MLB Taiwan pitcher-batter duel' in history.

The Astros will host a three-game series against the Tigers starting June 15, with Deng taking the mound in the opening game. This season, Deng has appeared in 20 games, starting 7 of them, posting a 3-5 win-loss record with a 3.71 ERA. In his most recent start on June 10 against the Los Angeles Angels, he allowed 7 runs over 4 innings, tying his career-high in runs allowed and taking the loss.

Meanwhile, Lee returned to the majors on June 14, making his first appearance against the Cleveland Guardians, sharing the field with Taiwanese-American star 'Fei Zai' (Fried) in a starting role. Both players recorded hits, and in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Lee made a crucial defensive play — catching the ball and throwing to home plate, resulting in Fried being tagged out at the plate — already showcasing an unofficial 'Taiwanese internal clash'.

From a strategic standpoint, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has stated that right-handed batter Lee will primarily face left-handed pitchers, often being substituted when right-handers pitch. As a right-handed pitcher, Deng has held right-handed batters to a .181 batting average this season — significantly better than his .258 mark against left-handed hitters. (Edited by Yang Tzu-Ying) 1150615