Shawn

Dubin

Dubin fortifies Arizona’s bullpen depth heading into spring training after being removed from Baltimore’s 40-man roster at the start of the offseason. The 30-year-old journeyman posted a serviceable 4.95 FIP and 28/11 K/BB ratio across 33 2/3 innings over 30 appearances between the Astros and Orioles this past season. He’ll operate in middle relief for the Diamondbacks if he makes the club’s Opening Day roster.

Dubin was removed from the Orioles’ 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk earlier this week. The 30-year-old right-hander struggled during his time with the Astros, but posted a solid 3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and a 7/3 K/BB ratio over eight innings with the O’s to end the season. He’s now free to peddle his wares on the open market where 30 teams are looking for upgrades to their bullpens.

Dubin appears likely to avoid offseason surgery after finishing the season on the shelf with elbow discomfort. The 30-year-old looked sharp in seven late-season appearances after coming over from the Astros.

Dubin was placed on the injured list on Sunday, ending his season, but since the MRI didn’t show anything too bad, he feels like he could have a normal offseason. He still might be DFA’d by the Orioles once the season ends.

Dubin is most likely finished for the season after registering an encouraging 3.38 ERA across eight innings over seven appearances for the Orioles since being claimed off waivers from the Astros back in late August.

Dubin, 29, was just cut by Houston after posting a 5.61 ERA in 25 2/3 innings in the majors this season. He has a lifetime 4.95 ERA and 81/37 K/BB in 80 innings over three starts and 54 relief appearances. Although he’s been used out of the pen recently, he still has a starter’s arsenal that features five pitches, including a mid-90s fastball. He’s out of options, so the Orioles will add him to the major league bullpen.

Houston has elected to move on from Dubin after he registered a lackluster 5.61 ERA across 25 2/3 innings (23 appearances) this season at the highest level.

The 29-year-old hurler had been shelved since late June due to a right forearm strain. Before landing on the injured list, Dubin had posted a stellar 1.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and an 18/7 K/BB ratio over 20 1/3 innings out of the Astros’ bullpen. He’ll help to absorb the loss of Josh Hader (shoulder).

No timetable yet for how long Dubin will be sidelined, but forearm issues tend to be precursors to much more serious elbow issues. The 29-year-old righty has posted a solid 1.33 ERA across 20 1/3 innings (18 appearances) since making his season debut back in mid-May.

Dubin will rejoin Houston’s relief mix for Sunday’s game against the Reds. The 29-year-old has been out since spring training due to shoulder and ankle issues. He’ll likely be called upon to provide the Astros with some length behind starter Ryan Gusto for Monday’s game against the Royals.