Astros Call Up Veteran Pitcher Peter Lambert

Right-hander makes MLB return after stint in minors

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:01am

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The Houston Astros have selected the contract of veteran right-handed pitcher Peter Lambert from their Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land. The 28-year-old Lambert last pitched in the majors in 2024 with the Colorado Rockies and will now make his Astros debut on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Why it matters

Lambert's call-up provides additional pitching depth for the Astros, who have already used 10 different starters this season due to injuries and inconsistent performances. As the Astros look to defend their World Series title, Lambert will have a chance to prove he can contribute at the big-league level.

The details

Lambert made a strong case for a roster spot in spring training and has continued to pitch well at Triple-A, posting a 1.84 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB ratio over 14.2 innings. The Astros will give him the start on Friday against the Cardinals, his first MLB appearance since 2024 with the Rockies.

  • Lambert's contract was selected from Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • He is set to make his Astros debut on Friday, April 18, 2026 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The players

Peter Lambert

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent the majority of his 4-year MLB career with the Colorado Rockies. He signed a minor-league deal with the Astros in the offseason and has been pitching well at Triple-A to earn this call-up.

Houston Astros

The defending World Series champions, who have dealt with injuries and inconsistent performances from their pitching staff early in the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to give Peter this opportunity to contribute at the big-league level. He's been throwing the ball really well in the minors and we think he can help solidify our pitching staff as we push for another championship.”

— Dusty Baker, Astros Manager

What’s next

If Lambert performs well in his debut, he could earn a more permanent spot in the Astros' rotation or bullpen moving forward. However, the team will continue to monitor his performance and make roster decisions accordingly.

The takeaway

This move represents the Astros' commitment to finding effective pitching options to support their talented lineup as they aim to return to the World Series. Lambert will have a chance to revive his MLB career in Houston, where he'll look to capitalize on this opportunity.