Ronel

Blanco

Blanco only allowed three hits, and he issued three walks. The southpaw saw one of the runs score after he left the game on a three-run blast by Wilmer Flores, and he pitched better than this line indicated. It wouldn’t have mattered from a win-loss standpoint because of how good Jordan Hicks was. Blanco is scheduled to face the Twins on Sunday.

Blanco had little trouble carving up a Triple-A lineup in his final spring outing, but it was nice to see him look sharp after being hit by a line drive on the right wrist during last Wednesday’s spring start against the Mets.

Blanco told reporters afterwards that he’s fine after taking a Francisco Lindor line drive to the right wrist during his final inning of work. He was charged with three runs over 3 2/3 innings. He struck out three and also issued three walks. Barring something unexpected, he should be ready to make his next spring start without any issues.

Blanco’s first appearance in a Statcast game this spring revealed him to be down 1-2 mph from last year on all of his pitches. He’s also given up 10 runs — seven earned — over seven innings through three starts. Those thinking of making him a late-round pick probably ought to look elsewhere.

All three hits he allowed were singles. This seems like an improvement over his first start, when he gave up three runs in 1 1/3 innings against the Mets. He has time to keep working on things, being that this is the first spring in his career that he’s not fighting for a spot.

Blanco was fighting for a place in either the rotation or bullpen last spring, but he doesn’t have anything to worry about this time around. Maybe that will change in May if he struggles into the regular season. He should be able to hold down his spot, though, even if he isn’t quite as effective as he was last year.

The right-hander struck out three with two walks, and he gave up just one hit. Blanco has been outstanding in 2024, and finishes his first year as a full-time starter with a 2.88 ERA in 167 1/3 innings. It was needed for the Astros with their issues with health, but fantasy managers certainly got their share of help, too. He’s expected to be a multi-inning option in the Wild Card round and potentially beyond.

Blanco gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out nine. It was his 12th win of the season. Blanco tied his season-high with nine strikeouts. He’s allowed two or less runs in seven of his last eight starts. Blanco has a 2.88 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 163 strikeouts in 162 1/3 innings on the year. The 31-year-old right-hander is set to face the Guardians on the road next weekend.

Blanco was making his first start since Sept. 1, having pitched once in relief on Sept. 7. He was terrific in spite of the layoff, and he’s now up to 13 scoreless innings this month. Although he’s perhaps being viewed as the Astros’ sixth starter right now, one would think he has a strong case for the postseason rotation. He’ll likely face the Angels again next weekend.

Blanco is no longer facing the Diamondbacks this weekend, but will rejoin Houston’s starting rotation next week as they transition back to a six-man mix with a jam-packed September schedule that doesn’t include a ton of off days. There was some speculation earlier this week that the 31-year-old righty would be moved to the bullpen, but that’s going to wait at least a couple more weeks.