Houston Astros pitching prospect A.J. Blubaugh has earned an invitation to the All-Star Futures Game. The 24-year-old is currently pitching for Triple-A Sugar Land. Blubaugh is 6-2 between two levels this season with a 3.46 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. The right-hander is the No. 6 prospect for the Astros and finds himself one level away from making his big-league debut. A seventh-round draft pick in 2022, Blubaugh has progressed rapidly in the minor leagues and climbed up the prospect rankings. He could be ready for a major league opportunity soon.
A.J. Blubaugh Handling Switch To Starting Pitcher Well
Houston Astros No. 8 prospect A.J. Blubaugh has adjusted very nicely in his time as a full-time starter for Triple-A Sugar Land. Blubaugh is the club's top pitching prospect behind Spencer Arrighetti and is currently 3-0 with a 3.16 ERA over his first eight starts in for Sugar Land. Blubaugh got some starts in Double-A in 2023 towards the end of the season, but prior to 2024 had mainly worked out of the bullpen. The right-hander was drafted as a reliever, but the Astros saw potential for him to be a starter and have worked with him to reshape his pitching repertoire, which includes a fastball that can hit up to 95 MPH. The Astros have dealt with a flurry of injuries to their rotation this season and Blubaugh has a chance to make his debut in 2024 as he is currently the best option on the farm. The issue from a fantasy perspective is that he is still being stretched out as a starter and hasn't thrown more than 100 innings since his professional debut in 2022. Therefore, the right-hander could be limited. For now, he is an intriguing name for dynasty league managers to keep tabs on, but can be avoided elsewhere.
A.J. Blubaugh
• RP
•
Astros
