Houston Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski is scheduled to make his season debut on Wednesday, starting the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
Wesneski returns after recovering from Tommy John surgery, an absence of nearly 15 months. His last Major League appearance was on May 6, 2025.
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He takes the rotation spot vacated by Spencer Arrighetti, who was placed on the injured list with right foot nerve irritation.
Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024 as part of the Kyle Tucker trade, Wesneski posted a 1-3 record with a 4.50 ERA in 32 innings before his injury last season.
During his minor league rehab, he logged a 2.25 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 20 innings across five starts, striking out 21 batters and walking four.
In his final rehab outing at Triple-A Sugar Land, he threw 80 pitches over 4 1/3 innings.
Wesneski Reflects on Recovery Journey
“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 credited teammate Ronel Blanco, who underwent similar surgery around the same time and returned to the rotation on July 20, for support during rehabilitation.
“Certain times were fine and certain times it wasn’t,” Wesneski said. “It had ebbs and flows.
The first eight weeks with the brace weren’t great, but having Ronel Blanco next to me really did help a lot.”
