AJ Blubaugh is turning heads as one of the Houston Astros' most promising young pitchers. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 MLB Draft, he now stands at the threshold of his major league debut. This article delves into Blubaugh’s background, his rapid rise through the minors, and what Astros fans can expect as he steps onto the mound in Houston.

From College Closer to Big League Starter

AJ Blubaugh’s journey began at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. There, he predominantly served as a closer, showcasing a powerful arm and fearless approach. However, after being selected by the Astros, he transitioned to a starting role in pro ball. This switch demonstrated his adaptability and potential as a reliable rotation piece.

Blubaugh’s climb through the minors has been impressive. In his first 21 Triple-A innings, he posted a 4.29 ERA. Last season, he earned a spot in the prestigious Futures Game and finished with a 4.19 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. According to The Athletic’s preseason rankings, Blubaugh even climbed to sixth overall among Astros prospects, higher than any other pitcher in the system.

What Sets AJ Blubaugh Apart?

Standing at 6’2”, the right-hander features a dynamic five-pitch mix: a four-seam fastball, cutter, slider, curveball, and changeup. His fastball can reach up to 97 mph, but he typically works in the low to mid 90s. Blubaugh’s ability to command multiple pitches and his increasing velocity have led scouts to boost his long-term outlook as a starter. In fact, MLB Trade Rumors notes that his fastball velocity has ticked up to an average of 93.8 mph in Triple-A this season compared to 92.5 mph last year.

Blubaugh’s minor league stats are strong. He tallied a 4.02 ERA over 268 1/3 minor league innings, with a solid 24.5% strikeout rate and a 9.4% walk rate. Those numbers, along with his mental approach and composure, have Astros fans excited.

Major League Debut: What to Expect

Blubaugh will make his highly anticipated MLB debut in a spot start against the Detroit Tigers. This opportunity arrives as the Astros adjust their rotation, with some starters recovering and team management looking for dependable arms. While it’s not yet clear how long Blubaugh will stay in the big league rotation, the start is a testament to his impressive progression and the trust the organization has in his talent.

Scouts believe Blubaugh profiles best as a back-end starter, but his pitch diversity and poise could help him exceed those early projections. As he takes the mound, Blubaugh is also set to become the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s first pitcher ever to reach the major leagues—a milestone for both player and alma mater.

Astros fans and fantasy baseball managers alike are keeping a close eye on his progress. Industry observers are particularly interested to see if Blubaugh can maintain his recent velocity uptick and continue to develop his command at the next level.

Conclusion

AJ Blubaugh’s ascent from a college closer to a major league starter is a remarkable story of adaptability, perseverance, and skill. As he prepares for his debut with the Houston Astros, expectations are high for this young pitcher. To dive deeper into Blubaugh’s performance and future projections, check out detailed coverage on The Athletic and the latest updates from MLB Trade Rumors.

Astros fans should stay tuned. AJ Blubaugh’s big league journey is just beginning, and it promises to be one worth watching.