Astros' Alimber Santa becomes first pitcher since 1900 to participate in a no-hitter during his MLB debut

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Making your Major League debut is nerve-racking enough, but doing so while trying to preserve a no-hitter is a different kind of pressure.

Houston Astros pitcher Alimber Santa was called in to make his Major League debut during the team’s 9-0 win over the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Globe Life Field. Tatsuya Imai threw six no-hit innings, and reliever Steven Okert threw one inning before manager Joe Espada turned to Santa to finish the job.

Santa, 23, fired two perfect innings and ended the game striking out Brandon Nimmo for his first career strikeout, completing the combined no-hitter. Santa became the first pitcher since 1900 to participate in a no-hitter during his big-league debut, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

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Houston Astros pitcher Alimber Santa and catcher Christian Vázquez celebrate after their team's combined no-hitter win over the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on May 25, 2026. (Julio Cortez/AP)

In the bullpen, Santa said he was aware of what was at stake.

"Yeah, there was some adrenaline," Santa said through a translator. "I was aware of the no-hitter, but I was just trying to calm myself down from the bullpen."

Espada said he was proud of Santa.

"Proud of Santa," Espada said via MLB.com. "I think it’s a big night for him and his family. So proud of him. I’ve seen this kid for years, and just to have this moment is huge for the organization and for him."

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Houston Astros pitcher Alimber Santa holds up the baseball after helping his team earn a combined no-hitter during his