Houston:Taipei Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei shared insights from his first season with the Houston Astros, marking a significant milestone in his Major League Baseball career by making the Opening Day roster for the first time in 2026.

According to Focus Taiwan, Teng, who previously played with the San Francisco Giants, expressed that starting the season in the majors gave him a newfound sense of confidence. His tenure with the Astros included a mix of bullpen appearances and starts, ending with a 5-7 record and a 4.76 ERA over 30 games. Teng also noted the importance of advice from former Giants teammate Joey Lucchesi, emphasizing the need to trust his pitching ability.

Despite facing challenges such as injuries and a stint in the minors, Teng recounted a memorable moment when he struck out Shohei Ohtani, which boosted his confidence against top-tier hitters. He also highlighted the supportive environment in Houston, which provided resources for international players and allowed him to use his preferred pitching position.

Looking forward, Teng expressed hope for the 2027 season, despite uncertainties due to a potential MLB lockout. He remains optimistic about his role with the Astros, valuing the flexibility to pitch as both a starter and reliever to maximize his opportunities.