Hao-Yu Lee Fights to Stay in Majors; Must Seize Opportunity Against Reds' Ace Starter
Taiwanese player Hao-Yu Lee was called up by the Detroit Tigers to fill in for an injured player. He must capitalize on his starts against left-handed pitchers, like the Reds' ace, to secure his spot in the MLB.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 12:06
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 12:31 (24 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 16:35 (4h 4m after Collected)
Central News
(CNA Reporter Lin Hung-han, Los Angeles, 22nd) Taiwanese standout Hao-Yu Lee was promoted to the Major Leagues to fill an injury gap. As Zach McKinstry's return date approaches, the matchup against the Cincinnati Reds' top starter, left-hander Andrew Abbott, on the 24th will be a crucial opportunity to perform.
The 23-year-old Lee plays for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He and Houston Astros pitcher Kai-Wei Teng are currently the only two Taiwanese players in the majors this season. Since his call-up on the 17th, Lee has played 4 games and collected 3 hits.
Lee honed his skills in the minor leagues for 5 years and is currently a top prospect nurtured by the Tigers' system. The main reason for his promotion this time is that utility player Zach McKinstry was injured on the 16th and placed on the 10-day injured list.
Lee fills the injury gap, with the team valuing his advantage as a right-handed hitter. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch stated on the 17th that 6 of their next 12 games feature opposing left-handed starters, and Lee's addition aids in roster management.
Last year at Triple-A, the highest level of the minor leagues, Lee's batting stats against left-handed pitchers were significantly better than against right-handers.
McKinstry, 30, who can play second base, third base, and outfield, had a career-best season last year, making the All-Star team as a replacement and winning the AL Silver Slugger Award as a utility player. However, he struggled at the start of this season, batting .209 over 14 games.
During the game against the Royals on the 16th, he injured his left hip after diving for home plate while baserunning and tripping over a runner while fielding. US media reported that McKinstry resumed training on the 21st and is expected to gradually increase intensity, with a chance to return by the 26th.
In 3 of Lee's 4 starts, the opposing team sent out left-handed starters, including the Red Sox's Ranger Suarez and Garrett Crochet, and the Brewers' Kyle Harrison.
The Tigers start a 3-game road series against the Cincinnati Reds on the 24th, and the Reds are expected to start left-hander Andrew Abbott in the first game. Abbott was the Reds' Opening Day starter this season. Last year, he posted career-bests of 10 wins, 7 losses, and a 2.87 ERA, earning an All-Star nod mid-season.
Although the exact time of McKinstry's return is unknown, he is on the 10-day injured list and could return as early as the 26th. If Lee is placed in the starting lineup against the left-handed starter on the 24th, it will be a crucial opportunity for him to fight for his place in the major leagues. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150423
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship from you is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio-video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
(CNA Reporter Lin Hung-han, Los Angeles, 22nd) Taiwanese standout Hao-Yu Lee was promoted to the Major Leagues to fill an injury gap. As Zach McKinstry's return date approaches, the matchup against the Cincinnati Reds' top starter, left-hander Andrew Abbott, on the 24th will be a crucial opportunity to perform.
The 23-year-old Lee plays for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He and Houston Astros pitcher Kai-Wei Teng are currently the only two Taiwanese players in the majors this season. Since his call-up on the 17th, Lee has played 4 games and collected 3 hits.
Lee honed his skills in the minor leagues for 5 years and is currently a top prospect nurtured by the Tigers' system. The main reason for his promotion this time is that utility player Zach McKinstry was injured on the 16th and placed on the 10-day injured list.
Lee fills the injury gap, with the team valuing his advantage as a right-handed hitter. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch stated on the 17th that 6 of their next 12 games feature opposing left-handed starters, and Lee's addition aids in roster management.
Last year at Triple-A, the highest level of the minor leagues, Lee's batting stats against left-handed pitchers were significantly better than against right-handers.
McKinstry, 30, who can play second base, third base, and outfield, had a career-best season last year, making the All-Star team as a replacement and winning the AL Silver Slugger Award as a utility player. However, he struggled at the start of this season, batting .209 over 14 games.
During the game against the Royals on the 16th, he injured his left hip after diving for home plate while baserunning and tripping over a runner while fielding. US media reported that McKinstry resumed training on the 21st and is expected to gradually increase intensity, with a chance to return by the 26th.
In 3 of Lee's 4 starts, the opposing team sent out left-handed starters, including the Red Sox's Ranger Suarez and Garrett Crochet, and the Brewers' Kyle Harrison.
The Tigers start a 3-game road series against the Cincinnati Reds on the 24th, and the Reds are expected to start left-hander Andrew Abbott in the first game. Abbott was the Reds' Opening Day starter this season. Last year, he posted career-bests of 10 wins, 7 losses, and a 2.87 ERA, earning an All-Star nod mid-season.
Although the exact time of McKinstry's return is unknown, he is on the 10-day injured list and could return as early as the 26th. If Lee is placed in the starting lineup against the left-handed starter on the 24th, it will be a crucial opportunity for him to fight for his place in the major leagues. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150423
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship from you is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio-video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.