Nezuh, Pecko flash elite potential in Astros' Spring Breakout
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Jackson Nezuh, who has one of the most effective fastballs in the Astros’ system, and the organization's 2024 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Ethan Pecko, flashed elite stuff by striking out the side in consecutive innings in Friday’s 6-6 tie against the Nationals in
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Jackson Nezuh, who has one of the most effective fastballs in the Astros’ system, and the organization's 2024 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Ethan Pecko, flashed elite stuff by striking out the side in consecutive innings in Friday’s 6-6 tie against the Nationals in the Spring Breakout game at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
Nezuh and Pecko, both right-handers, dazzled in relief after starter Miguel Ullola left the game with a shoulder injury in the second inning. Nezuh, a 14th-round selection in the 2023 Draft out of the University of Louisiana, struck out four batters in 1 2/3 innings, including striking out the side in the sixth inning.
“It was really cool,” Nezuh said. “I’m glad I got the opportunity to pitch here today. The stuff felt good and just blessed to be out here.”
He walked the first batter he faced before striking out four of the next five, and Pecko (Astros’ No. 10 prospect) came into the game in the seventh inning and whiffed all three batters he faced. Pecko finished with two scoreless innings, allowing one walk.
“Adrenaline was definitely going,” Pecko said. “It was my first time pitching in the big league stadium and an important game like the [Spring] Breakout game, so I felt good, my body felt good and my arm felt good. I was excited to go out there and throw strikes and compete again.”
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Nezuh, 23, split last year between High-A Asheville, Single-A Fayetteville, going 8-6 with a 3.89 ERA in 120 1/3 combined innings. He struck out 151 batters and walked 48 in 2024 and will be an arm to watch in 2025.
“I really want to continue to improve all my pitches -- better two-strike locations, increase the velo, just overall be a better pitcher,” Nezuh said.
Pecko, 22, went 4-6 with a 3.47 ERA in 26 appearances, including 15 starts between Single-A Fayetteville, High-A Asheville and Double-A Corpus Christi. He had 125 strikeouts, a 1.21 WHIP and a .219 opponents’ batting average, ranking second in strikeout-per-nine innings (11.72), fourth in strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.38), fifth in strikeouts and fifth in opponent batting average in the Astros’ system, according to FanGraphs.
“The sky’s the limit,” Pecko said. “I try not to worry about where I’m at or what level I’m playing at. This year I want to build off what I did last year, improve some pitch shapes and tighten up the command and compete again and enjoy it.”
Janek shows off his bat
Walker Janek, the catcher who was the Astros’ first-round pick in last year’s MLB Draft, went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and a strikeout. Janek (Houston’s No. 4 prospect) slashed .175/.214/.503 with one homer in 87 at-bats in his professional debut last year and trained in Houston in the offseason.
“I feel like I’m in a good spot,” Janek said. “I’m seeing the ball well and swinging at good pitches and feel really good. I’m looking to feel good going into the season and hopefully have a good season.”
Smith splits time
Cam Smith, ranked as the No. 58 prospect overall by MLB Pipeline and No. 1 on the Astros, played three innings at third base to begin the game before moving to right field for the next three innings. The Astros are giving Smith (1-for-4) reps in right field as they debate whether to carry him on their Opening Day roster.
“It’s fun honestly, I tell everybody it’s like I’m playing fetch out there," Smith said. "It’s less intense than third base, the hot corner, obviously, but it’s a cool opportunity.”
Smith, who will start in right field Sunday against the Mets, swapped jerseys after the game with Nationals prospect Yoel Tejeda Jr. The pair were teammates at Florida State.
“We share this facility and it’s pretty cool,” he said.
Ullola leaves with injury
Ullola (No. 6 prospect) left the game in the second inning with what the team called right shoulder discomfort. Ullola, who was called for two pitch time violations early in the game, pitched a scoreless first before giving up a leadoff homer to Andrew Pinckney in the second inning.
Ullola allowed the next three Washington batters to reach before striking out Brenner Cox. In his at-bat against leadoff hitter Daylen Lile, Ullola appeared uncomfortable throwing a pitch and was pulled from the game after a visit from a team trainer.