The Houston Astros have named right-hander Kai-Wei Teng as their starter for Tuesday's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore at 5:35 p.m. CT. The move signals a potential shift for Teng from his role as the team's most effective reliever this season. Teng is listed as a starter/opener.
The Astros announced the decision on Monday. Teng, who was acquired in a January trade with the San Francisco Giants, has posted a 1-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 16 2/3 innings in 11 appearances this season, primarily in long relief. Houston's bullpen ranks last in MLB with a 6.31 ERA and 1.70 WHIP, prompting the team to explore new options amid their struggles. Teng made seven starts for the Giants last season, going 1-4 with a 7.66 ERA in 24 2/3 innings. His only win came in a September outing against the Colorado Rockies, where he pitched 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs. He has not exceeded four innings in any other start. Teng relies on a five-pitch mix, led by his slider, four-seam fastball, and sinker. His fastballs have increased velocity by more than one mph from 2025, with the four-seam averaging about 95 mph and the sinker over 94 mph. Astros pitching coach Josh Miller commented last week on Teng's potential: “We're always looking for ways to optimally use the pitchers we have on our staff. He certainly put himself in that conversation. He's got really good stuff. He's got dynamic weapons from both sides, and it should be a matter of finding a spot for him and stretching him out, if we choose to do that.”
