Astros activate Wesneski for first MLB start in 15 months
Houston will reinstate right-hander Hayden Wesneski from the injured list to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Angels at Angel Stadium, his first MLB outing since May 6, 2025. The move fills a rotation hole and could steady Astros standings hopes as the club seeks more pitching depth after recent injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Wesneski starts Wednesday in Anaheim after nearly 15 months away from a Major League mound.
- He is returning from May 2025 Tommy John surgery with a 2.25 ERA over five Minor League rehab starts.
- The Astros need the boost after placing Spencer Arrighetti on the injured list over the weekend.
- Wesneski said he is nervous and excited, adding, “I don’t know how to act tomorrow.”
When will Hayden Wesneski start for the Astros?
Wesneski will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Wednesday’s series finale versus the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB.com. Houston already has a vacancy on the 40-man roster and will option a pitcher as the corresponding active roster move.
The Houston native was acquired from the Cubs in the December 2024 Kyle Tucker trade. He opened 2025 in the Astros rotation at 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 32 innings before the elbow injury that ended his season.
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How did Wesneski look in his rehab starts?
Wesneski posted a 2.25 ERA in five Minor League rehab starts, striking out 21 batters in 20 innings with a strong strike rate. In his final outing Friday at Triple-A Sugar Land, he struck out seven, threw 80 pitches (49 for strikes), and topped out at 95.9 mph.
CBS Sports notes the Astros may not tightly limit his pitch count Wednesday after that buildup. MLB Trade Rumors projects he should be able to work at least four to five innings in his first MLB outing back.
He is the second Astros pitcher to return from Tommy John surgery this month, following Ronel Blanco on July 20. The two had surgery within weeks of each other and leaned on each other through rehab.
Why does this matter for Astros standings?
More starting depth is critical for Astros standings as Houston navigates injuries and uneven starts. Arrighetti’s IL placement created the opening Wesneski will fill alongside Hunter Brown, Peter Lambert, Ronel Blanco, and Tatsuya Imai.
“I’m going to be nervous,” Wesneski said. “I’m excited about it. I don’t know how to act tomorrow, to be honest with you.” He added that having Blanco beside him during recovery helped keep him motivated through the dull stretches in Florida.
Manager Joe Espada separately met with struggling starter Tatsuya Imai after another early exit, leaving that rotation spot uncertain. Wesneski’s return gives Houston a fresher arm as it weighs internal options and, per Trade Rumors, possible trade-market pitching help.