Nate Pearson is expected to return to the majors for the first time since last August.

The Houston Astros, who signed Pearson to a one-year deal worth $1.35 million over the off-season, are set to activate the 29-year-old righty off the injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener versus the Minnesota Twins, according to general manager Dana Brown.

Brown also revealed during his recent radio appearance on SportsTalk 790 that All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña will return from injury in Minnesota, too, likely suiting up for two of the three games in the Twin Cities.

Pearson opened this season on the IL after being slowed by elbow soreness in spring training. He underwent a clean-up procedure on his right elbow over the winter, but he’s since appeared in seven rehab games — all as a reliever, abandoning the organization’s earlier plans to stretch him out as a starter.

The hard-throwing hurler, who’s already topped out at 101.3 m.p.h. this year, compiled 8.2 innings during his rehab assignment, pitching to a 6.23 ERA and 5.47 FIP with 11 strikeouts and walks each.

With the Astros running thin on reliable impact relievers, Pearson will be tasked with providing a shot in the arm at the back end of their struggling bullpen, which ranks 29th in fWAR (-1.3) as well as 30th in ERA (5.78) and FIP (5.44) thus far in 2026.

Pearson, of course, mostly operated in a high-leverage role during his final few seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, with whom he notched all three career major-league saves. But injuries and persistent command woes ultimately led to a breakup prior to the 2024 trade deadline, as the franchise struck a 2-for-1 deal with the Chicago Cubs, sending Pearson to the Windy City in exchange for prospects Yohendrick Piñango — now playing a key role for the Blue Jays — and Josh Rivera.

The former 28th overall selection from 2017 closed out the ’24 campaign with the Cubs. But towards the end of his disappointing showing last season, he was designated for assignment and later released upon clearing waivers, paving the way for his Astros arrival shortly after the off-season began.

Off The Roster is Toronto sports. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, this is the go-to morning conversation for everything happening in the 6ix – Hockey, Baseball, Basketball and everything in between. From breakout performances and questionable trades to throwback jerseys, viral moments, and the stories fans are actually talking about—it’s smart, sharp, and never scripted. Live weekday mornings on the Nation Network YouTube channel and available wherever you stream podcasts, the show delivers real opinions, real chemistry, and real Toronto energy. Missed an episode? Catch up anytime. Off The Roster—The new sound of the 6ix.