Deng Kai-wei Dominates Cubs with 6 Scoreless Innings: 'Sweeper is My Best Weapon'

Houston Astros' Taiwanese pitcher Deng Kai-wei pitched six scoreless innings with six strikeouts today. His sweeper was particularly effective, forcing opponents to swing and miss repeatedly. Deng stated, "Clearly, the sweeper is my best weapon right now." Facing the Chicago Cubs, Deng allowed only two hits and three walks, leading the team to a 3-0 victory. Of his 89 pitches, 42 were sweepers, accounting for seven of the ten swings and misses he induced. According to the MLB official website, Deng explained after the game: "In previous years, when my sinker or four-seamer didn't feel right, I would throw the sweeper constantly, but this year I trust my stuff." He added, "Even when the sinker or four-seamer feels off, I stick to the game plan: throw the fastball in and create a good tunneling effect with the sweeper. That's probably why the sweeper is working so well." This season, his sweeper has a batting average against of .105, a slugging percentage of .140, and a whiff rate of 32.2%. Astros catcher Cesar Salazar noted that Deng can locate the sweeper on both sides of the plate, making it effective for both strikes and inducing swings. "The pitch overlaps with the fastball for a long time, is 6-7 mph slower, and doesn't just 'pop' out; it extends and then takes a sharp turn to the left." Deng started the year as a long reliever but moved to the rotation in late April due to injuries. He has maintained his effectiveness through the second and third times through the order. Manager Joe Espada praised his performance, noting that Deng gets stronger in the second time through the lineup, maintaining his movement and control. "He's doing all the little things right, which proves he's getting comfortable in the starting role."