Astros Bring Up Pitcher Peter Lambert for Series vs. Cardinals

Houston looks to build on improved pitching performances against Colorado Rockies

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting featuring a baseball pitcher in motion, with vibrant neon colors and expressive brushstrokes capturing the raw power and intensity of the sport.The Astros hope Peter Lambert's electric pitching style can provide a much-needed boost to their struggling rotation.Houston Today

The Houston Astros have called up right-handed pitcher Peter Lambert to make his season debut in the series opener against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. Lambert, who last pitched in the majors in 2024 with the Colorado Rockies, was added to the Astros' taxi squad on Thursday after posting a 1.84 ERA in three appearances at Triple-A. The Astros are hoping Lambert can continue the team's improved pitching efforts after limiting the Rockies to just 3 runs in the final two games of their recent series.

Why it matters

The Astros have struggled with their pitching so far this season, allowing the most runs in Major League Baseball. Bringing up Lambert is an attempt to solidify their rotation and build on the momentum from their recent series against the Rockies, where they displayed better performances on the mound.

The details

Right-hander Peter Lambert will make his season debut for the Astros in the series opener against the Cardinals. Lambert, 28, last pitched in the majors in 2024 with the Rockies, going 2-5 with a 5.72 ERA in 28 appearances (3 starts). He posted a 1.84 ERA in three appearances (2 starts) at Triple-A Sugar Land before being added to the Astros' taxi squad on Thursday. In his lone career appearance against the Cardinals, Lambert allowed 4 runs (2 earned) in 4.1 innings.

  • Lambert was added to the Astros' 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 at Triple-A.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who said the team is "pounding the zone" and has a plan to improve their pitching performances.

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 said the team is committed to their style of play and preparation as they look to build on their recent success.

Jordan Walker

A Cardinals player who is tied for the major league lead in home runs (8) and total bases (49), and extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a double in the team's last game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 Astros will hope that Peter Lambert can provide a boost to their pitching staff in the series opener against the Cardinals on Friday.

The takeaway

The Astros are looking to build on their recent improved pitching performances by calling up Peter Lambert, while the Cardinals continue to showcase their exciting young talent like Jordan Walker as they aim to define their season with a distinct style of play.