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.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
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.
Greensboro Native, Blake Butler, Returns Home to Lead the Greensboro Grasshoppers with a Mix of Familiar and Fresh Faces
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – Greensboro native and Southeast Guilford High School alumnus, Blake Butler, will return to lead the Greensboro Grasshoppers on the field as the team’s manager for 2025 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates revealed this week as part of its player development assignments for the upcoming season. Butler returns at
Grasshoppers Fell 4-2 to the Renegades in Game 3 of the 2024 SAL Divisional Playoffs
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell 4-1 to the Hudson Valley Renegades on Friday, September 13 for Game 3 of the 2024 SAL Divisional Playoffs. The Grasshoppers finished 36-29 in the second half of the season and 1-2 in its 2024 playoff run. Hudson Valley outhit Greensboro 7-4 as
Grasshoppers Continue Their Playoff Run With a 3-1 Win Over the Renegades
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Hudson Valley Renegades, 3-1 on Thursday September 12 to continue their playoff run. The Grasshoppers improved to 1-1 in postseason while the Renegades fell to 1-1. Hudson Valley outhit Greensboro 5-3 while the Renegades had two mishaps. Hits for the Grasshoppers were
Grasshoppers Take 6-0 Loss in Game One of SAL Division Playoffs Against the Renegades
HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell 6-0 to the Hudson Valley Renegades on Tuesday, September 10. The Renegades improved to 1-0 in the 2024 SAL Division Playoffs while the Grasshoppers fell to 0-1. Hudson Valley outhit Greensboro 8-4 while the Grasshoppers had one mishap. Hits for the Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers Take the Series Win Against the Hot Rods with a 6-2 Win on Sunday
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers took a series win against the Bowling Green Hot Rods with a 6-2 on Sunday, September 8. The Grassshoppers improved to 36-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-34. Bowling Green outhit Greensboro 12-7 while the Hot
Grasshoppers Extends Their Win Streak Over the Hot Rods with a 1-0 Win Saturday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 1-0 on Saturday September 7. The Grasshoppers improved to 35-29 on the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-33 as both teams tallied three hits. Infielder Omar Alfonzo led the Grasshoppers offense as he went 1-3 with
Grasshoppers Take Down the Hot Rods 4-3, Friday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers topped the Bowling Green Hot Rods 4-3 on Friday September 6. The Grasshoppers improved to 34-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-22. Both teams had six hits while the Grasshoppers had two mishaps. Infielder Jack Brannigan
Grasshoppers Defeat the Hot Rods, 5-4 Thursday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 5-4 on Thursday, September 5. The Grasshoppers improved to 33-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-21. Bowling Green outhit Greensboro 7-6 while the Grasshoppers had two mishaps. Infielder Mitch Jebb
Grasshoppers Eight Hits Lift Them 2-1 Over the Hot Rods on Wednesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers beat the Bowling Green Hot Rods 2-1 on Wednesday, September 4. The Grasshoppers improved to 32-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-20 as Greensboro outhit Bowling Green 8-1. Catcher Omar Alfonzo led the Grasshoppers offense as
Grasshoppers Drop 5-4 to the Hot Rods in the First Game of Their Final Home Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers dropped 5-4 in the first game of its home series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Tuesday, September 3. The Hot Rods improved to 39-19 on the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 31-29 as Bowling Green outhit Greensboro 10-6. Catcher Omar Alfonzo
Grasshoppers Take the Series Win with a 5-4 Victory Over the Tourists
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeat the Asheville Tourists, 5-4 in the final game of its home series to take the series win. The Grasshoppers improved to 28-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-34. Greensboro outhit Asheville 8-7 while the Tourists had
Grasshoppers 10 Hits Lift Them Over the Tourists, 10-6
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Asheville Tourists, 10-6 on Saturday, August 24. The Grasshoppers improved to 27-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-33. Greensboro outhit Asheville 10-7 as the Tourists had four mishaps to the Grasshoppers one. Infielder Mitch Jebb
Grasshoppers Shutout the Tourists, 4-0 to Continue Their Win Streak Over the Tourists
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers shutout the Asheville Tourists, 4-0 on Friday, August 23. The Grasshoppers improved to 26-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-32. Greensboro outhit Asheville 6-1 as the Tourists had one mishap. Designated hitter, Termarr Johnson led at the
Grasshoppers Eighth Inning Come Back Takes the Tourists, 5-4
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers come back against the Asheville Tourists to take the win, 5-4 on Thursday, August 22. The Grasshoppers improved to 25-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-31. Asheville outhit Greensboro 9-4 while the Tourists had one mishap to
Grasshoppers Fall to the Tourists, 5-3 Wednesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Asheville Tourists, 5-3 on Wednesday, August 21. The Tourists improved to 20-30 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 24-25. Asheville outhit Greensboro 11-4 while the Tourists had two mishaps to the Grasshoppers one. Infielder Mitch
Grasshoppers Drop to the Tourists, 6-1 in the First Game of its Home Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro Grasshoppers dropped the first game of its home series against the Asheville Tourists, 6-1 on Tuesday evening. The Tourists improved to 18-30 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 24-23. Asheville outhit Greensboro 7-4 while the Grasshoppers had one mishap.
Grasshoppers Fall to the Emperors, 5-1 in Final Game of its Home Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Rome Emperors, 5-1 in the final game of its home series on Sunday, August 11. The Emperors improved to 15-25 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 23-19 as Greensboro outhit Rome 5-4. Hits for the
Grasshoppers Spilt its Doubleheader with the Emperors on Saturday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers split a double header against the Rome Emperors on Saturday, August 10. The Grasshoppers moved to 23-18 on the second half of the season while the Emporers moved to 14-25. GAME ONE The Grasshoppers fell to the Emperors, 7-4 in extra innings in game
Grasshoppers Shutout the Emperors, 6-0 Friday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro Grasshoppers shutout the Rome Emperors, 6-0 on Friday, August 9. The Grasshoppers improved to 22-17 on the second half of the season while the Emperors fell to 13-24. Both teams tallied five hits while Rome had two mishaps. Hits for the Grasshoppers were recorded by
Grasshoppers Fall 4-1 to the Emperors
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Rome Emperors, 4-1 on Wednesday, August 7. The Emperors improved to 13-23 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 21-17. Rome outhit Greensboro 9-2 as both teams had one mishap. Leading at the dish for the
Grasshoppers 13 Hits Lift them Over the Emperors, 9-5
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Rome Emperors 9-5 in the first game of its home series on Tuesday, August 6. The Grasshoppers improved to 21-16 on the second half of the season while the Emperors fell to 12-23. Greensboro outhit Rome 13-10 as the Emperors had two
Grasshoppers Drop the Final Game of its Home Series Against the Tourists, 7-0
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell 7-0 to the Asheville Tourists in the final game of its home series on Sunday, July 28. The Tourists improved to 13-16 as the Grasshoppers fell to 18-12 as Asheville outhit Greensboro, 9-4. Hits for the Grasshoppers were recorded by Mitch Jebb, Hudson
Grasshoppers Fall to the Tourists, 5-3 on Saturday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fall to the Asheville Tourists, 5-3 on Saturday, July 27. The Tourists improved to 12-16 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 18-11. Greensboro outhit Asheville 8-7 as the Tourists had one mishap. Catcher Shawn Ross led the Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers Drop to the Tourists, 6-4 on Friday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers drop to the Asheville Tourists, 6-4 on Friday, July 26. The Tourists improved to 11-16 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 18-10. Asheville outhit Greensboro 11-9 as the Tourists had two mishaps. Infielder Mitch Jebb led the Grasshoppers
Perachi’s Career High 11 Strikeouts Backs the Hoppers Over the Tourists, 12-3
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Asheville Tourists, 12-3 on Thursday, July 25. The Grasshoppers improved to 18-9 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 10-16. Greensboro outhit Asheville 11-5 as both teams had two mishaps. Infielder Jack Brannigan led the Grasshoppers offense