The Houston Astros have called up pitching prospect Ethan Pecko to make his major-league debut Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park, according to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart.
Pecko, one of the top prospects in the Astros’ system, was selected by Houston in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Towson.
Pecko has made 15 starts for Triple-A Sugar Land this season, posting a 4.94 ERA over 74⅔ innings. He had been scheduled to pitch Sunday for the Space Cowboys but was scratched from the start.
Pecko was named the Astros’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year after his first full professional season in 2024. A forearm strain delayed the beginning of his 2025 season, but he finished strongly, posting a 3.09 ERA with 48 strikeouts over 35 innings at Triple-A.
His fastball generally sits between 93 and 95 mph and can reach 98. Pecko also throws a slider, cutter, curveball, and changeup, using a low three-quarters delivery that adds deception.
Pecko will become the 17th starting pitcher used by Houston this season, the most in the Major Leagues and another illustration of a rotation that has struggled to find stability throughout 2026.
The Astros optioned Ronel Blanco to Triple-A on Sunday after he struggled in five appearances following his return from elbow surgery. Cristian Javier will start Tuesday’s series opener against the Angels, followed by Pecko on Wednesday and Peter Lambert in Thursday’s finale.
The Astros selected Pecko’s contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, officially adding him to both the 40-man and 26-man rosters. To make room, Houston optioned right-hander Miguel Ullola to Sugar Land and transferred Brice Matthews from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list with a left knee sprain.
For Pecko, Wednesday will mark the culmination of a quick rise through the Astros’ system. For Houston, it will be another attempt to find an answer in a rotation that has spent much of the season searching for them.
Pecko told reporters Tuesday that he initially feared he had been traded when he was scratched from his scheduled Triple-A start Sunday before remembering the trade deadline had already passed. Instead, the 23-year-old learned he was headed to Houston.
“I’m here to help Joe and the team in whatever way possible,” Pecko said. “I don’t know what it is yet, but I am just here to help.”
Reflecting on reaching the Majors, Pecko added, “It’s been a crazy journey, and if you told me I’d be here five years ago, I’d say you’re crazy.”
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