The Houston Astros have had trouble keeping their starting rotation healthy this season, with six starters on the injured list. The Astros have the depth to sustain these injuries. However, it has them pondering moving right-hander Kai-Wei Teng to the starting rotation to eat some innings.
Teng, 27, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the offseason and has been a savior for the Astros this season. In 11 games, Teng has a 1-1 record with a 2.16 ERA in 11 games out of the bullpen.
Kai-Wei Teng has made a strong impression on the Houston Astros this season
Teng, 27, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the offseason and has been a savior for the Astros this season. In 11 games, Teng has a 1-1 record with a 2.16 ERA in 11 games out of the bullpen.
“Teng, acquired in a January trade from the Giants, has been excellent in his long relief role for the Astros,” wrote MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. “He entered Sunday’s game against the Yankees with a 2.16 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, with 16 strikeouts and six walks in 16 2/3 innings. He threw a season-high 2 2/3 scoreless innings Tuesday against the Guardians and can get both right-handers and left-handers out. The Astros are considering moving Teng to the rotation, a role he had last year with the Giants.”
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While with the Giants, Teng had a 1-7 record with a 7.66 ERA and a 1.703 WHIP in seven starts, so the Astros need to be careful on how they’ll use Teng moving forward. The Astros should be getting the bulk of the starting rotation back as the calendar turns to May.
Right-handers Tatsuya Imai (right arm fatigue), Hunter Brown (Grade 2 right shoulder strain) and Cristian Javier (Grade 2 right shoulder strain) are expected back in late May/early June. If Teng can continue to be effective and hold things over until the rotation gets fully healthy, the Astros should be in a good place.
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