Kai-Wei Teng to Start for Astros Against Orioles: A Crucial Test for a Spot in the Rotation
Taiwanese pitcher Kai-Wei Teng, previously the Houston Astros' most stable reliever, will make his first start as an 'opener' against the Orioles on April 28. Following a string of injuries to the Astros' rotation, Teng has been identified as a key candidate to transition into a permanent starting role.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 08:21
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 08:31 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 09:09 (37 min after Collected)
LOS ANGELES, April 27 (CNA) — Taiwanese standout Kai-Wei Teng, who has been the most consistent reliever for the Houston Astros this year, has earned an opportunity to start. On April 28 (US time), he will take the mound as an 'opener' against the Baltimore Orioles, as the team attempts to transition him into a starting role. His performance in this game is being closely watched.
The Houston Astros' official website announced that the 27-year-old Teng will start the away game against Baltimore on the 28th (6:35 AM on April 29, Taiwan time). After 11 relief appearances since joining the Astros this season, this will be his first start in the Astros uniform.
MLB.com reporter Jason Foster noted that as the best-performing pitcher in the Astros' bullpen, Teng will be designated as a 'starter/opener' for this game. This indicates the team is considering a role transition, though his initial workload may not reach the traditional 5-inning requirement. Teng's longest outing as a reliever this season was 2.2 innings.
Teng previously played for the San Francisco Giants before being traded to Houston this year. During his time with the Giants, he was developed as a starter but struggled to solidify his place in the major leagues. Last year, he started 7 games, most lasting under 5 innings, finishing with a 1-4 record and a 7.66 ERA over 24.2 innings.
The Astros had already been planning to move Teng into the rotation. Pitching coach Josh Miller stated last week: 'Internal discussions have identified Teng as a candidate to transition to a starter; once decided, we will include him in the rotation and extend his pitch count.'
In 11 relief appearances this season, Teng has pitched 16.2 innings with 16 strikeouts and 6 walks. His longest outing was on April 21 against the Guardians, where he threw 31 pitches over 2.2 innings. Coaches have praised Teng for his high stuff quality and dominance over both left- and right-handed batters.
According to official reports, Teng possesses five pitch types, primarily utilizing his slider, four-seam fastball, and sinker. His four-seamer has averaged 95 mph (approx. 153 km/h) this season, a 1 mph improvement over last year, while his sinker can reach 94 mph (151 km/h).
The Astros currently have four starting pitchers on the injured list, including Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Kanai, and substitute Cody Bolton. For the game on the 28th against the Orioles, Ryan Weiss was originally scheduled to start, but with Teng moving into the opening role, Weiss will return to the bullpen and likely follow Teng into the game.
The Houston Astros' official website announced that the 27-year-old Teng will start the away game against Baltimore on the 28th (6:35 AM on April 29, Taiwan time). After 11 relief appearances since joining the Astros this season, this will be his first start in the Astros uniform.
MLB.com reporter Jason Foster noted that as the best-performing pitcher in the Astros' bullpen, Teng will be designated as a 'starter/opener' for this game. This indicates the team is considering a role transition, though his initial workload may not reach the traditional 5-inning requirement. Teng's longest outing as a reliever this season was 2.2 innings.
Teng previously played for the San Francisco Giants before being traded to Houston this year. During his time with the Giants, he was developed as a starter but struggled to solidify his place in the major leagues. Last year, he started 7 games, most lasting under 5 innings, finishing with a 1-4 record and a 7.66 ERA over 24.2 innings.
The Astros had already been planning to move Teng into the rotation. Pitching coach Josh Miller stated last week: 'Internal discussions have identified Teng as a candidate to transition to a starter; once decided, we will include him in the rotation and extend his pitch count.'
In 11 relief appearances this season, Teng has pitched 16.2 innings with 16 strikeouts and 6 walks. His longest outing was on April 21 against the Guardians, where he threw 31 pitches over 2.2 innings. Coaches have praised Teng for his high stuff quality and dominance over both left- and right-handed batters.
According to official reports, Teng possesses five pitch types, primarily utilizing his slider, four-seam fastball, and sinker. His four-seamer has averaged 95 mph (approx. 153 km/h) this season, a 1 mph improvement over last year, while his sinker can reach 94 mph (151 km/h).
The Astros currently have four starting pitchers on the injured list, including Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Kanai, and substitute Cody Bolton. For the game on the 28th against the Orioles, Ryan Weiss was originally scheduled to start, but with Teng moving into the opening role, Weiss will return to the bullpen and likely follow Teng into the game.