AJ Blubaugh - Page 2 - MLB News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Joins taxi squad Blubaugh has joined the Astros' taxi squad in Miami and could be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact The Astros don't have starting pitchers listed for Tuesday's or Wednesday's games versus the Marlins, although Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start one of those contests. Blubaugh is an option to start the other game, or he could be bullpen protection for Arrighetti, who will be making his first start in the majors since April. In one spot start with Houston earlier this season, Blubaugh allowed two runs with six strikeouts over four frames.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

Dispatched to Triple-A The Astros optioned Blubaugh to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

Impact With the Astros opting to skip Hayden Wesneski's turn through the rotation this week, Blubaugh was summoned from Triple-A on Wednesday to make a spot start in his MLB debut. The 24-year-old was the pitcher of record in Houston's 7-4 loss to Detroit, covering four innings and allowing seven runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out six. Wesneski is expected to return to action next week and Lance McCullers (forearm) is slated to come off the injured list and start Sunday against the White Sox, so the Astros didn't have room for Blubaugh in the rotation beyond Wednesday.

MAY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Lasts four frames in MLB debut Blubaugh (0-1) was charged with the loss Wednesday against the Tigers after giving up seven runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out six.

Impact The right-hander gave up a single run in each of the first two innings, and an error from shortstop Jeremy Pena preceded five unearned runs in the third, though that's a fortunate fact for Blubaugh given that he surrendered a grand slam. Besides the unearned runs, the 24-year-old's final like actually looks decent, though it won't help him stick in the majors since Lance McCullers (forearm) is coming off the injured list this weekend. According to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston, Blubaugh is expected to be optioned back to Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of Friday's series opener versus the White Sox.

APRIL 30 • ROTOWIRE

Called up for MLB debut The Astros selected Blubaugh's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Tigers in Houston.

Impact Blubaugh will be making his MLB debut Wednesday, but with Lance McCullers (forearm) seemingly on track to return from the 15-day injured list next week, the 24-year-old righty is likely headed back to Sugar Land regardless of how he performs versus Detroit. The young right-hander has struck out 28 batters and has allowed just one home run over 21 innings in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this season, but walks have been an issue (10.8 BB%).

APRIL 30 • ROTOWIRE

Meet A.J. Blubaugh, Astros' top pitching prospect called up for MLB debut | Sporting News Huge news for Houston baseball.

APRIL 30 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Confirmed for Wednesday start Blubaugh will start Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact Blubaugh was added to Houston's taxi squad Tuesday while the team debated on relying on its bullpen or a spot starter Wednesday to give Hayden Wesneski a couple of extra days to rest. The Astros opted for the latter, creating an opportunity for the 24-year-old righty to make his MLB debut. Blubaugh has turned in a 3.86 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 21 innings at Triple-A Sugar Land this season, and he'll be welcomed to the majors by the American League's fourth-highest scoring offense.

APRIL 30 • ROTOWIRE

Candidate to start Wednesday Blubaugh is with the Astros as a member of the taxi squad and is a candidate to start Wednesday against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Hayden Wesneski is being pushed back in order to provide him some extra rest, so Houston is in need of a spot starter. However, Blubaugh isn't guaranteed to start since the Astros have a team day off Thursday, so a bullpen day could be employed if the unit is in good shape after Tuesday's contest. The right-hander has a 3.86 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 28:10 K:BB across 21 innings so far this season with Triple-A Sugar Land.

APRIL 29 • ROTOWIRE