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.
Let the Haunted Debauchery Ensue As St. Paul Saints Become the Crooks Haven Ghostly Gangsters On Friday, June 27
ST. PAUL, MN (March 13, 2025) - John Dillinger. Baby Face Nelson. Ma Barker. Alvin “Creepy” Karpis. The St. Paul Saints have more in common with some of the most famous gangsters in history, who made their way to Saint Paul during prohibition, than you might think. Many might consider
Saints Announce Front Office Changes: Derek Sharrer Elevated To President, Zane Heinselman Promoted to GM
ST. PAUL, MN (March 12, 2025) - The St. Paul Saints, together with owner and operator Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), are proud to announce the promotion of two long-time employees of the club ahead of the 2025 season. Derek Sharrer, who has served as General Manager since 2004, will transition
Saints Give Fans 75 Wicked Good Promotions In 2025
ST. PAUL, MN (March 11, 2025) - The St. Paul Saints are bringing the force, magic, and laughs in 2025 with a season packed full of out-of-this-world promotions. Whether you’re ready to "join the dark side," "defy gravity,” or relax with a beverage and Peanuts, there’s something for every fan.
What's In A Name? Saints Hold Month-Long Name the Pig Contest Presented by Minnesota Star Tribune
ST. PAUL, MN (February 21, 2025) - It’s your chance for immortality. Maybe you’re a little nervous but like the pig, who doesn’t sweat, neither should you. This is the time to use your creative brain, much like the animal you’re trying to name who is considered one of the
Love the One You're With As Saints Single-Game Tickets On Sale February 15
ST. PAUL, MN (February 13, 2025) - Whether your goal is to get a glimpse of a top Minnesota Twins prospect, snag a foul ball, or catch the side-splitting humor at CHS Field, the St. Paul Saints promise to keep people of all ages amused during the 2025 season. Whether
Back Again, Gardenhire Returns For Fifth Season As Saints Manager, Joined Again By Schlechter, Three New Coaches Join Staff
ST. PAUL, MN (January 21, 2025) - Stability at the managerial position is something the St. Paul Saints have had since their inaugural season as an organization in 1993. They had just five managers in 28 seasons as an Independent League team. When they became the Minnesota Twins Triple-A affiliate
Banana Ball World Tour Coming To CHS Field August 1 & 2 As Party Animals Bring Their Unique Brand Of Baseball To Lowertown
ST. PAUL, MN (October 3, 2024) - In 1993 the St. Paul Saints changed the way fans enjoyed baseball games. Instead of making it all about the play on the field, the organization brought fun and irreverent humor to the ballpark. Always looking to partner with organizations that align with
Saints Lose Final Game of the Season 9-4
ST. PAUL, MN (September 22, 2024) - As the St. Paul Saints headed into the final game of the season a number of players were trying to hit personal milestones. One of those players was starting pitcher Caleb Boushely, who was attempting to become the Saints second 10-game winner on
Keirsey Jr. Sets Single-Season Hits Mark, Saints Comeback Falls Short In 8-7 Loss
ST. PAUL, MN (September 21, 2024) - DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is capping off the year with an incredible week in a season he won’t soon forget. He made his Major League debut, he’s been the most consistent hitter on the St. Paul Saints, and on Saturday night he etched his
Raya Impressive In Triple-A Debut, Williams Smashes Two Home Runs, But Saints Lose 8-6
ST. PAUL, MN (September 20, 2024) - If the last two nights are any indication, the St. Paul Saints starting rotation to start 2025 is in good hands. On Thursday night it was Cory Lewis earning a win in his Triple-A debut. On Friday night at CHS Field Marco Raya
Severino Ties Single-Season Franchise Home Run Mark In 8-3 Saints Win
ST. PAUL, MN (September 19, 2024) - For the last 12 games Yunior Severino has been stuck on 20 home runs, one shy of the St. Paul Saints single-season home run mark. On Thursday night at CHS Field he finally tied the record with a fifth inning home run. That
Close Game Gets Away From Saints In 10-2 Loss To Indianapolis
ST. PAUL, MN (September 18, 2024) - The St. Paul Saints kept the same game plan on Wednesday as they did on Tuesday. Facing the number two pitching prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, Thomas Harrington, the Saints kept it close for six innings. Unfortunately, instead of a come from
Saints Start Off Final Series Of Season With 4-2 Win Over Indianapolis
ST. PAUL, MN (September 17, 2024) - For the second time this season St. Paul Saints starter Caleb Boushley got the start opposite the Pittsburgh Pirates number one prospect, and the number 21 prospect in baseball, Indianapolis Indians fireballer Bubba Chandler. Boushley once again kept his team in the game,
Two Top 30 Pitchers Promoted From Wichita, Marco Raya and Cory Lewis Transferred to St. Paul
ST. PAUL, MN (September 16, 2024) - As the last week of the season has arrived, there is one final chance for prospects to get a taste of Triple-A. That is what Marco Raya and Cory Lewis will be getting, as they were promoted to St. Paul on Monday. Raya,
Saints Finish Off Road Portion Of Schedule With 5-2 Loss To Clippers
COLUMBUS, OH (September 15, 2024) - And now all that is left are six games at CHS Field. The St. Paul Saints finished off the road portion of their schedule jumping out to a 2-0, but as happened in the previous three games the Columbus Clippers scored several unanswered runs
Saints Drop Fourth Straight To Clippers, 8-3
COLUMBUS, OH (September 14, 2024) - The teams chasing the Columbus Clippers for the second half title were hoping to get some help from the St. Paul Saints this week. After winning game one of the series, however, the Saints haven’t been able to equal what they did on Tuesday.
Severino Sets Single-Season Franchise RBI Record, But Saints Fall 11-1
COLUMBUS, OH (September 13, 2024) - One record down, one to go for Yunior Severino. His first inning RBI single gave him the franchise single-season record and he still needs one home run to tie that mark. Unfortunately, that was all the positive feelings for the St. Paul Saints in
Eerily Similar Feeling, Saints Give Up Three-Run Homer In Eighth And Fall 8-7 To Clippers
COLUMBUS, OH (September 12, 2024) - If you put Wednesday night’s game side-by-side with Thursday night’s game you would find several similarities. The St. Paul Saints got an insurance run in the eighth on a bases loaded walk, but couldn’t deliver the knockout blow. In the bottom of the inning
Empty Feeling, Saints Lose On Walk-Off Homer In Ninth 7-6
COLUMBUS, OH (September 11, 2024) - The horror continues for the St. Paul Saints at Huntington Park. Entering Wednesday night the Saints were 11-26 in the home of the Columbus Clippers. They carried a three run lead into the eighth, but saw that disappear with a home run in the
Saints Attempt To Play Spoiler With 7-4 Win Over Clippers
COLUMBUS, OH (September 10, 2024) - The St. Paul Saints are 16-games under .500 at Huntington Park in their franchise history. But for the next six days they have a chance to play spoiler to the best team in the second half as the Columbus Clippers entered the day 4.0
Saints Score Seven Runs Over Final Three Innings For 9-3 Win
ST. PAUL, MN (September 8, 2024) - A well-pitched game on both sides early on turned into a rout for the St. Paul Saints late. They scored seven runs over their final three at bats as Carson McCusker finished a triple shy of the cycle in a 9-3 victory over
Emmanuel Rodriguez' Inside-the-Park Grand Slam Helps Saints To 8-6 Victory
ST. PAUL, MN (September 7, 2024) - Emmanuel Rodriguez is no stranger to inside-the-park grand slams, hitting a walk-off one at High-A Cedar Rapids in 2023. He can add another memorable one to his impressive ledger as his first Triple-A home run was an inside-the-park grand slam as part of
Morris Strong, Oat Milkers Hit Three Homers, But Fall 8-4 To I-Cubs
ST. PAUL, MN (September 6, 2024) - Despite being on a limited pitch count, Andrew Morris was tremendous in his fifth Triple-A start. He went 3.2 innings and left with a 4-0 lead, but it unraveled after he left as the St. Paul Saints Malmö Oat Milkers fell 8-4 to
Second Time In Two Weeks Prato Plays Hero With Walk-Off Single In Ninth As Saints Win 7-6
ST. PAUL, MN (September 5, 2024) - He didn’t start the game, but he sure finished it. Anthony Prato entered the game in the eighth inning as a pinch runner. One inning later his walk-off single to center gave the St. Paul Saints a 7-6 win over the Iowa Cubs
Headrick, Dobnak Spin Gem In 2-1 Win Over I-Cubs
ST. PAUL, MN (September 4, 2024) - Brent Headrick made his return to the St. Paul Saints, pitching in his first game since April 6 after coming off a left forearm strain. He was masterful in his 3.0 innings of work. Randy Dobnak did the rest as the two combined