Kai-Wei Teng’s small adjustment made all the difference against Cleveland

Houston’s pitching staff in 2026 has had some ups, but plenty of downs to go along with it. Kai-Wei Teng has been one of those players who has had some really great moments but has struggled mightily in the month of June. 

However, his latest appearance, a quality start against the Cleveland Guardians in which he only gave up one run and punched out four batters, might have offered a small glimpse at how Teng and the Astros’ pitching staff are planning to adjust his approach on the mound for the better. 

Teng’s sinker usage decreased in favor of his changeup

Kai-Wei Teng threw 83 pitches in six innings against Cleveland; he only threw five sinkers according to Baseball Savant. This season, Teng has used his sinker 16% of the time as a complement to his fastball, and in his previous start, which saw him give up five runs in less than four innings, he threw the same amount of sinkers as he did changeups. Against Cleveland, he threw his changeup 16 times. 

Teng’s changeup has not been one of his most effective pitches this season, as hitters have a .407 xBA against it; the unexpected deviation of usage against Cleveland might signal a change in approach that will improve his overall performance.

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