Tough Outing for Deng Kai-wei as Dodgers Fall to Reds
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Deng Kai-wei faced a challenging afternoon on May 11, 2026, as he struggled to find his rhythm in a matchup against the Cincinnati Reds.
Marking his second start of the campaign, Deng labored through three innings, surrendering three runs. The outing proved to be a grueling effort, with Deng throwing 63 pitches—a new season high for the right-hander.
The game turned volatile as Deng encountered significant turbulence during the fourth inning. He narrowly avoided a complete collapse in a single frame, nearly surrendering hits to every batter in the lineup before the Dodgers were forced to make a move.
The Mother’s Day loss serves as a sobering moment in Deng’s season, highlighting the volatility of his current role. For a player navigating the transition from a relief specialist to a starter, this outing was a rigorous test of his capabilities within the Dodgers’ rotation.
While the result was disappointing, the increased pitch count and the experience of facing a disciplined Reds lineup will provide critical data for the Dodgers’ coaching staff as they determine Deng’s future utilization for the remainder of the season.
