AJ

Blubaugh

The 25-year-old Blubaugh hasn’t gotten more than 10 outs in any of his last seven appearances, so the Astros weren’t going to let him go too long tonight. Maybe he could have snuck away with a win if he had been more efficient, but it wasn’t meant to be. Blubaugh finishes the season 3-1 with a 1.69 ERA and a 35/11 K/BB in 32 innings over the course of three starts and eight relief appearances. The Astros will probably want to hold him in reserve at the start of next season if they can avoid injuries next spring, but they have not had much luck in that department lately.

It’s a nice spot for streaming purposes in deeper mixed leagues as Blubaugh is coming off a pair of decent outings earlier this month where he struck out seven over three shutout frames in a spot start against the Rangers before twirling three shutout innings against the Mariners. The 25-year-old rookie holds a strong 1.93 ERA and 33/7 K/BB ratio across 28 innings over 10 appearances (two starts) this season at the highest level. It’s a must-win situation for the Astros if they want to stay alive in the AL playoff race.

Blubaugh made the spot start for the Astros on Tuesday and gave the team three scoreless innings, scattering two hits and one walk while striking out seven batters on 50 pitches. He ends the day with a 2.16 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 32/7 K/BB ratio across 25 innings. The 25-year-old right-hander will likely return to a multi-inning role out of the bullpen.

Lance McCullers Jr. and J.P. France are also options, but it sounds like Blubaugh’s fine showing after replacing the injured Garcia on Tuesday will get him the nod. He pitched 3 1/3 hitless innings that night against the Jays. Since Blubaugh has totaled 14, 20, 42 and 36 pitches in his last four outings, he’s probably a long shot to complete five innings and qualify for a win Sunday, making him a mediocre steaming option.

The 25-year-old right-hander struck out four batters on the night. He was pressed into emergency action in the second inning after Luis Garcia was removed due to elbow discomfort. He proceeded to keep the Blue Jays off the board through the fifth inning and was in line for a victory until Bryan Abreu’s blown save in the ninth inning. Blubaugh eight swings and misses on 43 pitches on the night — seven on his fastball — while posting a CSW of 33 percent. He’s likely to be called upon to fill in for Garcia the next time his spot in the rotation comes around on Monday against the Rangers.

Blubaugh returns to the big leagues prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Rockies with fellow rookie John Rooney hitting the shelf with elbow inflammation. The 25-year-old has compiled a decent 4.15 ERA across 13 innings (three appearances, one start) this season at the highest level.

Blubaugh heads back to the minors after spending roughly 24 hours in Houston’s bullpen. The 25-year-old righty has posted a respectable 4.15 ERA across 13 innings (three appearances, one start) this season at the highest level.

Blubaugh provides the Astros with some additional long relief depth this weekend behind starters Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti. The 25-year-old rookie has posted a respectable 4.00 ERA and 11/2 K/BB ratio across nine innings (two appearances, one start) this season at the major-league level.

Blubaugh picked up his first major league win Tuesday, but several injured pitchers all steadily making their way back, the Astros might not need him again anytime soon.

The runs scored on homers from Jakob Marsee and Eric Wagaman. Blubaugh struck out five and walked one in his second appearance for the Astros. His first was a start in April in which he gave up seven runs — two earned — in four innings to lose to the Tigers. This aids his cause, but he’s still likely to be sent down Wednesday with Spencer Arrighetti coming off the IL.