'ERA 6.50' Hanwha Departure: Weiss, Finally Demoted from Starter to Bullpen, Overcome by Taiwanese Pitcher Who Declined WBC

*This content was translated by AI.

Ryan Weiss (30, Houston Astros), a foreign right-handed pitcher who played for the Hanwha Eagles in the 2025 season, has ultimately been pushed down to the bullpen after abandoning his dream of securing a spot in the major league rotation. The price for failing to capitalize on limited starting opportunities was somewhat harsh. Entering Weiss's starting spot is Taiwanese right-hander Deng Kai-wei (27), who drew attention in March for declining to join the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

The Houston Astros have officially confirmed their starting rotation for the three-game road series against the Baltimore Orioles, beginning on the 29th (Korean time). The most significant change is Weiss's removal. Deng Kai-wei was suddenly selected as the starter for the 29th, which was originally scheduled for Weiss.

In fact, Weiss was not without opportunities this season. Houston's main rotation, including Hunter Brown, Christian Javier, and Imai Tatsuya, had been sidelined due to injuries, putting the mound in a state of emergency. Weiss, who successfully made the opening day roster, needed to seize the opportunity given to him, but the result was disastrous.

In his most recent two starts, Weiss failed to complete four innings both times. On the 17th, starting against the Colorado Rockies at home, Weiss allowed 3 hits (1 home run) and 2 earned runs over 3⅔ innings. On the 22nd against the Cleveland Guardians, he allowed 5 hits (1 home run) and 2 earned runs over 3⅓ innings.

Especially in the game on the 22nd, Weiss threw up to 86 pitches but still could not reach four innings. Weiss's season record stands at 7 games (2 starts), 0 wins, 2 losses, and an ERA of 6.50. Particularly concerning is his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched), a key indicator of pitching stability, which has reached 2.17, showing inconsistent performance in every game. His batting average against is also a high 0.325.

Houston has ultimately made its decision. Deng Kai-wei, who will start in place of Weiss, has appeared exclusively in relief in all 11 games this season, posting a solid 1-1 record with 2 holds and a 2.16 ERA.

However, although Deng Kai-wei has not yet pitched more than three innings in a single outing this season, Houston plans to prioritize the "stable" Deng Kai-wei. Locals expect Weiss to follow Deng Kai-wei in a long relief role. In effect, Weiss has been overtaken by Deng Kai-wei in the starting competition.

In fact, Deng Kai-wei is also a pitcher who has shown great determination. Making his debut with the San Francisco Giants in the 2024 season, Deng Kai-wei even made his first major league start in the 2025 season. While his record of 2 wins and 4 losses in the 2025 season was not particularly impressive, he showed potential by striking out 39 batters over 29⅔ innings. After joining the Houston Astros via a trade in January, Deng Kai-wei firmly declined the request to join the 2026 WBC Taiwan national team in March, drawing a "line in the sand."

At the time, Deng Kai-wei stated, "Through my big league experience, I realized there is still much to improve and learn. I became convinced that I must gain practical experience amidst fierce competition and move toward my next goal. Not participating was the only decision I could make." In reality, he spent the off-season at the renowned U.S. pitching academy "Tread Athletics," focusing on building his body and refining his control, and has now demonstrated stable performance this season.

Weiss, who signed with Houston after being evaluated as one of the top foreign pitchers in the KBO League while playing for the Hanwha Eagles until last season, now finds himself in a situation where he must worry about survival. Although he is under a major league contract rather than a minor league one, his salary (2.6 million dollars, approximately 3.8 billion won for the 2026 season) is relatively modest, meaning Houston would not face significant burden in demoting Weiss to the minors if his poor performance continues.

The imminent return of injured pitchers is also a negative factor. Reports also indicated that Imai Tatsuya has recently begun throwing again, so if he returns, Weiss may struggle even to hold a spot on the 26th-man roster. Weiss, who once entered the major leagues as Hanwha's "strongest second starter," now faces the harsh reality that he must overcome.

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*This content was translated by AI.