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25m ago

Pitching Turnaround Lifts Astros as Dodgers' Bullpen Extends Scoreless Run

Improved starting outings from converted relievers have cut Houston's ERA this month, creating a clearer path to wins if the lineup regains form.

May 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
May 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong goes up before catching a fly-ball hit by Houston Astros' Branden Shewmake during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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Overview

  • The Astros used converted reliever Kai-Wei Teng to stabilize their rotation, and Teng threw six shutout innings in a 3-0 win over the Cubs on Saturday that helped Houston snap a recent skid.
  • Spencer Arrighetti provided the first step in the stretch by working five scoreless innings in Friday's 4-2 victory at Wrigley, underscoring a string of stronger starts that have lowered Houston's monthly starter ERA.
  • Yordan Álvarez was removed during his sixth-inning at-bat on Saturday with a back spasm, a development that could further strain a Houston offense already struggling to score enough runs.
  • The Dodgers erupted for an 11-3 win over Milwaukee on Saturday as Teoscar Hernández matched his career high with six RBIs and Los Angeles' bullpen reached a franchise-record 36 consecutive scoreless innings.
  • The pitching momentum matters because Houston (22-31) still depends on allowing three or fewer runs to win, and the recent run of quality starts and bullpen usage will influence rotation workload, roster moves, and short-term divisional positioning.