Ronel Blanco will start Tuesday vs White Sox

Wesneski shut out the Phillies until giving up a double to Justin Crawford, an RBI single to Kyle Schwarber and a two-run homer to Trea Turner in consecutive at-bats in the sixth. Fortunately, he had a five-run lead to work with before that happened. He moved to 5-1 with a 3.35 ERA. Barring a change, he’ll make his next start Sunday against the Rays. The Astros, though, might look at pushing him back. His only outing on four days’ rest since returning from elbow surgery was also his worst to date; he gave up five runs in four innings against Seattle in his lone loss on Aug. 15.

The longest scoreless outing of Wesneski’s career didn’t get him a win, since the Astros didn’t take the lead until the bottom of the eighth. Still, he is 4-1 in seven starts since returning from elbow surgery, and his ERA is sitting at 3.18 right now. He’s slated to make his next start Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Blanco got the call to start Tuesday’s game against the White Sox and gave the Astros four scoreless innings. He scattered three hits and walked three batters while collecting three strikeouts before departing after four innings at 88 pitches. The-33-year-old right-hander ends the day with a 6.59 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and a 23/15 K/BB ratio across 27 1/3 innings. He’ll likely revert to long relief duties if he sticks with Houston, with rosters expanded to 28 players.

Blanco draws the starting assignment for Tuesday’s game against the White Sox. The 33-year-old has struggled to an inflated 7.71 ERA across 23 1/3 innings in the majors this season. He’s not a recommended fantasy option in this spot.

Facing a banged-up A’s team, Wesneski allowed just one hit over five innings, making what was easily his best start of the season. The lone hit Wesneski allowed came with one out in the third inning, but he would go on to retire eight of the next 10 batters he faced before being pulled in the sixth inning for Bennett Sousa. Wesneski will draw a tougher start his next time out when he hits the road to face the Yankees on Thursday.

Blanco has really struggled during his time with the Astros this season, posting a 7.71 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and a 20/12 K/BB ratio over 23 1/3 innings in his five appearances (four starts). Miguel Ullola was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to take his place on the active roster.

Wesneski gave up seven hits, walked one and struck out six. He fell to 2-1 in four starts with the loss. Wesneski struck out six of 20 batters faced, which was a positive. Unfortunately, he was just a little too hittable. Wesneski has a 5.16 ERA, though his 4.36 xFIP points to more upside if he can correct some of his issues. He’s lined up to face the Athletics on the road next weekend.

Wesneski hasn’t been dominant at all, but it’s really impressive that he’s managed to throw 18 2/3 innings in his first three starts back from Tommy John, going 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in the process. He allowed five hits, walked two and struck out four tonight. Jung Hoo Lee and Drew Gilbert both homered off him. He’ll likely start again at home against the Mariners this weekend.

Blanco departed with a 4-3 lead after Fernando Tatis Jr. homered with two outs and none on in the fifth. One more out would have gotten him a win, but manager A.J. Hinch just didn’t trust him to face Jake Cronenworth. Blanco has a 6.98 ERA after four starts, so he’s not promised much at this point. He’s in line to face the Giants on Wednesday, making him a streaming option in deep leagues.

Wesneski held the Blue Jays scoreless through four innings until he gave up a pair of runs on two hits and a wild pitch in the fifth. That would be all the damage Toronto could do as he returned for a scoreless sixth to complete a quality start on his way to a win. Wesneski tossed 51 of 78 pitches for strikes and collected four strikeouts. The 28-year-old right-hander has given up five runs with an 8/4 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings across two starts. He’ll look to keep it going on Monday against the Giants in San Francisco.