The Houston Astros optioned right-hander Ronel Blanco to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday and recalled Miguel Ullola to take his place on the active roster.
The move follows a rough outing for Blanco in Saturday’s 10-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners. Working out of the bullpen, Blanco surrendered five runs on seven hits in four innings.
Blanco has struggled since returning from elbow surgery, posting a 7.71 ERA across 23 1/3 innings in five appearances. He initially returned to the rotation but made it through five innings only once in four starts before Houston shifted him to a relief role.
The 32-year-old underwent surgery in June 2025 to repair his ulnar collateral ligament and flexor tendon. Houston entered the second half hoping the returns of Blanco and Hayden Wesneski would add needed depth to a rotation that has dealt with injuries throughout the season.
Instead, Blanco’s return has yet to provide the stability the Astros envisioned, and his option creates another question as Houston prepares for its next series.
Ullola takes Blanco’s spot on the active roster after pitching at Triple-A Sugar Land. The Astros have not announced their starters for Tuesday and Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels. Peter Lambert is scheduled to start Thursday’s series finale on five days’ rest.
