Pena’s Back! Astros vs Space Cowboys Exhibition Game Thread 3/24/2026
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Jeremy Peña #3 of the Houston Astros warms up prior to a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images Jeremy Pena will lead off tonight and play shortstop as the Houston Astros play their final exhibition game of the spring, hosting the Sugar Land Space Cowboys tonight at Daikin Park. RHP Lance McCullers Jr.
, who was named the Astros fifth starter yesterday, will get the start for the Astros tonight opposite prospect RHP Miguel Ullola and the Space Cowboys. ABOUT MCCULLERS: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. is set to make his fourth official start of the Spring season.
He last pitched a week ago on March 17 at PIT, when he allowed one run on three hits and three walks in 4. 0 innings. He made his return to the mound in 2025 after missing the entire 2023 and 2024 seasons due to a right flexor tendon injury that required surgery.
He worked around four IL stints in 2025 to go 2-5 with a 6. 51 ERA (40ER/55. 1IP) and 9.
92 SO/9IP in 16 games (13 starts). ABOUT ULLOLA: RHP Miguel Ullola (pronounced oo-YOH-lah) enters the 2026 season as one Houston’s top pitching prospects. I In 2025, he spent his first full season in the Triple A rotation and went 7-6 with a 3.