Teng Kai-wei prepares for his debut in the upcoming MLB season
Taiwanese Pitcher Teng Kai-wei Makes Debut for San Francisco Giants
Teng Kai-wei, the second Taiwanese player to reach the majors this season, made his debut for the San Francisco Giants on August 2, 2025. The left-handed pitcher was listed as the starting pitcher for the game against the New York Mets.
The Giants had announced Teng's call-up from Triple-A Sacramento on their X account on Friday. This was Teng's first start of the 2025 season, having struggled in limited relief appearances in 2024.
In his debut, Teng pitched 3.1 innings, allowing five runs, four hits, and three walks, while striking out four batters. Three of the runs came in the first inning after giving up a three-run home run to Pete Alonso. Teng settled down after that but gave up additional runs after leaving the game in the fourth inning, with the Giants ultimately losing 6-12.
Despite the rough debut, the Giants plan to give Teng another start soon. Teng had a strong Triple-A season in 2025, posting a 3.67 ERA and a 1.111 WHIP, his best form since reaching Triple-A in 2023. He had also improved his control compared to previous years, reducing his walk rate significantly.
Teng's performance in Triple-A caught the attention of Giants manager Bob Melvin. His teammate, Grant McCray, commended Teng's rebound after a tough 2024 season. In 2024, Teng struggled as a long reliever, posting a 9.82 ERA over 11 innings across four appearances for the Giants.
Teng's call-up is one of four roster moves prompted by the Giants' recent trade deadline activity. The other three players involved in the moves are relievers Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval, and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski.
Teng switched his jersey number from 70 to 66 for his return to the majors. The Giants re-signed Teng to a minor league contract in December 2024 and invited him to spring training in 2025.
Cheng Tsung-che, the first Taiwanese player to reach the majors this season, made a brief appearance in the majors earlier in April before being optioned back to the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate.
[1] San Francisco Giants' official website
[2] San Francisco Chronicle
[3] MLB.com
[4] ESPN
[1] San Francisco Giants' official website: "Teng Kai-wei will take the mound again soon after his rough MLB debut, following a successful stint in Triple-A Sacramento this season."
[2] San Francisco Chronicle: "Baseball fans can look forward to another start from Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei, who showed promise in Triple-A despite a rocky MLB debut in a game against the New York Mets."
