News - Comeback Showdown: Wesneski Returns Against Angels

Houston Astros' right-hander Hayden Wesneski is set to make a significant return to the mound on Wednesday night for a season debut against the Los Angeles Angels after a hiatus spanning almost 15 months due to Tommy John surgery. Wesneski's last MLB appearance dates back to May 2025, after which he was sidelined due to right elbow discomfort, necessitating surgery. At the time, Wesneski held a 1-3 record with a 4.50 ERA in 32 innings, but notably shone against the Angels earlier in the season with a 10-strikeout performance. Now back in action after a rehabilitation stint in the minors where he posted a 2.25 ERA, Wesneski is ready to take on familiar foes at Angel Stadium. Having been nurtured through five minor league rehab starts, his recent outing saw him striking out seven batters while reaching speeds of nearly 96 mph. Speaking on his condition and mindset, Wesneski acknowledged some lingering inconsistency but was buoyed by effectively locating his pitches and generating ample spin. A local Houston native, Wesneski admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as he prepares to step on the mound once more. His opponent on the Angels' side will be right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, who also has a comeback narrative following two seasons marred by injuries. Rodriguez, hoping to regain his form, will be making his 10th appearance of the season and is looking to improve his 8.54 ERA against the Astros, with whom he had a no-decision in their previous encounter earlier in June. However, history has not favored Rodriguez in past clashes with Houston, as he remains winless with a 6.06 ERA over three starts. The Astros, buoyed by stellar performances from MVP contender Yordan Alvarez and an opportunistic lineup, will be chasing their third consecutive victory in this series. Their recent games have been characterized by dramatic ninth-inning turnarounds, including Tuesday's narrow 3-2 win powered by Alvarez’s timely hitting. As rumors swirl around potential trades, particularly concerning Angels' left-hander Reid Detmers, who was unable to halt his home winless streak despite a solid outing, the matchup promises intriguing storylines centered on resilience and high stakes at Angel Stadium.