Astros Turn to Kai Wei Teng for First Start of the Season

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Kai Wei Teng is stepping into his first start of the 2026 season. He has made eleven appearances so far this year, all as a relief pitcher.

He is stepping up to the mound as a starter for the first time this season with a 2.16 ERA and 16 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings, per MLB.

Pitching has been a struggle for the Astros this season, with one of the main issues being an overworked bullpen that the team can’t afford to keep leaning on. It will be key for Kai Wei Teng to pitch at least five innings to give the bullpen a rest.

Kai Wei Teng was traded to the Houston Astros from the San Francisco Giants on January 29, 2026, in exchange for minor league catcher Jancel Villarroel. He made the Astros’ Opening Day roster for the 2026 season in a flexible bullpen and spot-start role.

He was intended to serve in both roles, but this will be his first start with the Astros. He has been one of the most effective relievers on the pitching staff, but due to injuries impacting the rotation, Houston is turning to him for added stability.

If he can be as effective as a starter as he has been in relief, it would put the Astros in a good position. However, as one of their most reliable bullpen arms, it is crucial he does not put additional stress on a relief group already dealing with stability concerns.

If he can maintain his command and miss bats deeper into games, it could open the door for more opportunities in the rotation moving forward. For now, the focus is simple: give the Astros a chance to win and take pressure off a taxed bullpen.