Here's what to expect from Astros pitching prospect Ethan Pecko ahead of his MLB debut

The Houston Astros are handing the ball to Ethan Pecko, their #9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, for his Major League debut on Wednesday. The 23-year-old righty (who turns 24 on August 25) was a 6th-round pick in 2023 out of Towson University in 2023. 

Pecko has made 17 appearances in AAA this season, 15 of which were starts. He's posted a 4.94 ERA in 74.2 innings, a 1.39 WHIP, with 71 Ks to 28 BBs. The Pennsylvania native has allowed a .265 opponent batting average this season, and his .230 xBA (according to prospectsavant.com) suggests he’s gotten slightly unlucky this season.

Astros fans are going to be treated to a fastball and sinker combo the righty uses about 50% of the time, that average about 94 mph each, and can reach the upper 90s. He also throws a cutter, which averages around 90 mph, about 20% of the time, and a slider, his best pitch this season according to the stat proStuff+, that sits in the low-to-mid 80s. He also features a curveball and changeup that he throws almost exclusively to lefties.

Ethan Pecko not only brings MLB ready stuff, but a story of resilience to his first big league start

Pecko also has an interesting story on his path to the big leagues. The 23-year-old lost his senior season in high school to the COVID-19 Pandemic. He committed to La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, for his freshman year, but missed the entire season due to Tommy John surgery. Then, La Salle cut its baseball program. After not pitching for two seasons, Pecko transferred to Towson for the 2022 season. He pitched two seasons there before being drafted by the Stros. He said to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, “If you told me I’d be here five years ago, I’d say you’re crazy.” 

It didn’t take long for him to advance through the minors. In 2023, the season he was drafted, he made one appearance in rookie ball before moving up to low-A Fayetteville. In 2024, he moved up twice, first to high-A, then to AA. Then in 2025, Pecko was able to make it to AAA, pitching 35 innings to a 3.09 ERA. 

Pecko will get some time in the rotation. Even with the return of Mike Burrows not far after a successful rehab start a few days ago, Hayden Wesneski has made just four appearances since coming off the 60-day IL on July 29 and has a 5.16 ERA.

Not the most highly touted prospect, Pecko had faced adversity throughout his career to make it to the show. He’ll now get a chance to prove that adversity sharpened him into an MLB ready player in the midst of a playoff race. 

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