Houston, TX -- (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros decided to pick up the 2010 option on the contract of pitcher Brian Moehler on Thursday.

"We're happy to have Brian back in the fold for next season," said Astros general manager Ed Wade. "He's a solid pitcher whose value doesn't always show up in the numbers. He keeps you in games and gives you a chance to win."

Moehler went 8-12 with a 5.47 earned run average over 29 starts for Houston in 2009.

The 37-year-old is 83-103 with a 4.80 ERA over 312 games (244 starts) since breaking into the majors with Detroit in 1996.