The Houston Astros have optioned right-handed pitching prospect A.J. Blubaugh to Triple-A Sugar Land. Blubaugh was promoted to the majors to make a spot start on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. In this outing, Blubaugh logged four innings of seven-run ball. However, only two of those runs were earned. He also allowed five hits and posted a strong 6:1 K:BB. Blubaugh was given the call to take Hayden Wesneski's spot. However, given this transaction, Wesneski should be in line to return to action next week. Earlier in the season, Blubaugh logged 21 innings to the tune of a 3.86 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. During this stint, he struck out 28 batters and served up just 10 walks. Fantasy managers should not consider stashing Blubaugh in any formats, as he may not return to the majors until he is needed as an injury replacement.
A.J. Blubaugh Scheduled To Make MLB Debut For Astros Wednesday
The Houston Astros are expected to call up starting pitching prospect A.J. Blubaugh from Triple-A Sugar Land to make his big-league debut in Wednesday's game against the Tigers, per the Athletic's Chandler Rome. He will be making a spot start for Hayden Wesneski, whom manager Joe Espada said "needs a couple more days to recover from his last start." The 24-year-old pitching prospect is not on the 40-man roster, so the Astros will need to make a corresponding move. Blubaugh currently owns a 4.29 ERA in 21 innings pitched at Triple-A. He has flashed high strikeout upside but also some walk issues throughout his minor-league career. While Blubaugh will have a solid offense backing him, fantasy managers should first wait to see how his debut goes and then see if he can carve out a role with the team before trusting him.
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.
AJ Blubaugh
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Astros
