Astros' Blubaugh Aims for Roster Spot, Unsure of Role

Pitcher AJ Blubaugh impressed in 2025 but could fit in bullpen or rotation in 2026

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:38am

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Houston Astros pitcher AJ Blubaugh is competing for a spot on the major league roster this spring after a strong finish to the 2025 season, where he posted a 1.69 ERA in 32 innings as both a reliever and spot starter. The Astros have said Blubaugh will build up as a starter this spring, but the team's starting depth and his success in the bullpen could lead to a relief role as the clearer path to contribute right away at the MLB level.

Why it matters

Blubaugh's versatility and strong 2025 performance have put him firmly in contention for an Astros roster spot in 2026. The team's pitching depth means they have options, and Blubaugh's ability to adapt to both starting and relieving could make him a valuable piece, especially early in the season when the Astros are expected to use a six-man rotation.

The details

Blubaugh, a lanky right-hander, finished the 2025 season on a high note, throwing 21 consecutive scoreless innings over his final nine outings for the Astros. He made appearances as both a reliever and spot starter, after spending most of the year at Triple-A. This stretch put Blubaugh firmly in contention for a major league role this season. The Astros have several candidates for their starting rotation, including Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows, with other options like Spencer Arrighetti, Lance McCullers Jr., Ryan Weiss, Nate Pearson and Jason Alexander also in the mix. Any starters who don't crack the rotation could become bullpen options, which could create opportunities for Blubaugh in long relief.

  • Blubaugh threw a scoreless inning in the Astros' Grapefruit League opener against the Nationals on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Blubaugh said he focused this offseason on throwing his curveball and cutter with more conviction in the strike zone.

The players

AJ Blubaugh

A lanky right-handed pitcher in the Houston Astros organization who impressed in 2025 with a 1.69 ERA in 32 major league innings, working as both a reliever and spot starter.

Hunter Brown

One of the Astros' projected starting pitchers for the 2026 season.

Cristian Javier

One of the Astros' projected starting pitchers for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I approach it as an opportunity. I feel blessed that I have a great opportunity to play in MLB. Whether that's starting or relieving, it really doesn't matter to me. … It's one of those things where whatever role opens up to me, I'm going to take it and run with it and do it to the best of my ability.”

— AJ Blubaugh (Houston Chronicle)

“It was definitely a learning process. I learned that there's a difference between routine and superstition. That was a big thing for me. Every baseball player's got these certain things that they feel like they need to do. And I learned a lot of different things that I didn't need, I just wanted to do. I felt like that was one of the biggest differences.”

— AJ Blubaugh (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros will continue to evaluate Blubaugh's performance and role throughout spring training as they finalize their opening day roster and rotation.

The takeaway

Blubaugh's versatility and strong finish to the 2025 season have put him in a good position to earn a spot on the Astros' 2026 roster, though his exact role remains uncertain. The team's pitching depth means they have options, and Blubaugh's ability to adapt to both starting and relieving could make him a valuable piece, especially early in the season.