AJ Blubaugh May Be the Astros’ Most Valuable Bullpen Arm — And Nobody’s Talking About It

While questions swirl about who isn’t in the Houston Astros bullpen this season—Framber Valdez in Detroit, Josh Hader on the injured list, Bennett Sousa sidelined—AJ Blubaugh has quietly made a case as the most valuable piece nobody saw coming.

Blubaugh entered the season primarily as a starting pitching prospect without a rotation spot. The plan was to use him as a long reliever, with the possibility of a rotation opening later.

Then Opening Day happened.

Facing a near full-strength Angels lineup, Blubaugh pitched 2.1 innings, striking out three and allowing just one run: a solo homer to Mike Trout, which doesn’t overshadow the outing. His fastball consistently hit 97-98 mph out of the bullpen, and the Angels had no answer.

Blubaugh’s performance aligns with his history: a former college closer, he thrives in the bullpen mindset, attacking hitters with maximum effort from the first pitch. The velocity jump, combined with his experience, creates a swingman-style weapon for the Astros, reminiscent of Collin McHugh’s long-term value in Houston.

With Hader and Sousa sidelined and the rotation still settling, Blubaugh’s ability to eat multiple innings eases the burden on the rest of the bullpen. Bryan Abreu, Bryan King, and Steven Okert aren’t stretched thin, giving the Astros more flexibility over a long season.

One good outing doesn’t guarantee a breakout, but Blubaugh’s stuff, experience, and organizational need make him a pitcher to watch as the 2026 season unfolds. The Astros may have stumbled onto exactly the multi-inning weapon they didn’t know they needed.

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