Astros Add RHP Peter Lambert for Series vs. Cardinals

Houston looks to build on improved pitching in recent games as they host St. Louis.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:25pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game from multiple angles, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange representing the players, field, and stadium.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between the Astros and Cardinals, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of their upcoming series.Houston Today

The Houston Astros have added right-handed pitcher Peter Lambert to their roster ahead of a three-game interleague series against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. Lambert, who last pitched in the majors in 2024 with the Colorado Rockies, will make his season debut for the Astros in the series opener. The Astros are looking to build on improved pitching performances in their recent series against the Colorado Rockies, where they displayed better execution of their game plan despite a 3-2 loss in the finale that snapped a seven-game home winning streak.

Why it matters

The Astros have struggled with pitching so far this season, allowing the most runs in Major League Baseball. Lambert's addition to the roster represents an effort to shore up the pitching staff and build on the team's improved performances in their last series against the Rockies. A strong showing against the Cardinals could help the Astros gain momentum and confidence in their pitching as they look to climb the standings in the AL West.

The details

Right-hander Peter Lambert will make his season debut for the Astros in the series opener against the Cardinals. Lambert, 28, posted a 1.84 ERA in three appearances (two starts) with Triple-A Sugar Land before being added to the major league taxi squad on Thursday. He last pitched in the majors in 2024, going 2-5 with a 5.72 ERA in 28 appearances (three starts) for the Rockies. In his lone career appearance against the Cardinals, Lambert allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings.

  • Lambert was added to the Astros' major league taxi squad on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Lambert last pitched in the majors in 2024 with the Colorado Rockies.

The players

Peter Lambert

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who is making his season debut for the Houston Astros after posting a 1.84 ERA in three appearances (two starts) with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who has emphasized the team's need to better execute their game plan on the mound.

Kyle Leahy

The scheduled starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals in the series opener, who has a 5.14 ERA this season but a 3.18 ERA in three career relief appearances against the Astros.

Oliver Marmol

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, who has praised his team's commitment to their style of play and preparation as they look to build on their recent success.

Jordan Walker

The St. Louis Cardinals rookie who is tied for the major league lead in home runs (eight) and total bases (49), and has extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

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What they’re saying

“We are pounding the zone. There's a plan, and we just need to be better at executing that. It'll come. We've just got to continue to push and help those guys to get through it.”

— Joe Espada, Astros Manager

“The one thing we wanted to anchor to and be committed to was the style of play and our preparation. And that's what I'll continue to point to when we talk about Walker, JJ ... like all these guys. You're building something that's going to be fun to watch for a long time here, and you have to go about it the right way.”

— Oliver Marmol, Cardinals Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.