Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Kai-Wei Teng, 27-year-old right-hander for the Houston Astros, has been transitioned from a reliable bullpen role into a starting pitcher role due to the Astros' rotation injuries. In his second start on May 10 against the Cincinnati Reds, Teng took a loss after allowing 3 runs on 5 hits over 3 innings with 1 strikeout and 1 walk. He pitched 63 pitches and was pulled in the 4th inning without recording an out after giving up 4 consecutive hits. Despite the loss, manager Joe Espada expressed encouragement with Teng's performance, noting improvement over his first start. Teng has been incorporated into a six-man rotation and is expected to handle 80-85 pitches in upcoming starts. His season statistics show a 3.12 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 23:8 K:BB over 26 innings (2 starts, 13 relief appearances).
Strengths
- + Excellent bullpen performance prior to starting role (2.35 ERA, 0.96 WHIP in relief)
- + Strong strikeout-to-walk ratio (23:8 K:BB)
- + Manager Joe Espada expressed encouragement with recent start
- + Showed improvement from first start to second start
- + Flexible pitcher capable of multiple roles (starter, long reliever, opener)
- + Only active Taiwanese pitcher in MLB
- + Pitched 3 scoreless innings to start May 10 game
About
Kai-Wei Teng is a sp for the Houston Astros.
Player Overview
SP
Houston Astros