Unable to acquire a starting pitcher at the deadline, the Houston Astros may be looking to their farm system to help their struggling rotation.
With SP Ronel Blanco needed for long relief in last night’s game, and now having been optioned to Sugar Land, an interesting development happened with the Astros’ farm team:
The Astros have scratched pitching prospect Ethan Pecko from his start this afternoon at Triple-A Sugar Land, sources tell @TheAthletic. Pecko is healthy and — given Ronel Blanco's relief appearance last night — could have a role in some upcoming Astros pitching plans.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 16, 2026
Pecko, who was named Triple-A Pitcher of the Month for June right before his June 30th start, has struggled ever since.
After allowing just 2 ER in 24 innings across his first 4 starts in June, Pecko has allowed 25 ER over his last 30 innings (7.50 ERA) spanning 7 starts. Pecko is 4-6 with a 4.94 ERA overall for the Space Cowboys this season.
Whether or not Pecko would get a start or work out of the bullpen in low leverage is currently unknown, but since no injury was announced it stands to reason that he is a likely call-up for the Astros.
Pecko is not currently on the 40-man roster, so a roster move would need to be made to accommodate Pecko.