Shawn

Dubin

Dubin has been bothered by a shoulder issue since essentially the start of spring training. The 29-year-old will likely need several bullpens before he’s ready to go, and it makes him unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025 season.

Dubin has been down in camp because of shoulder troubles, and now the Astros will undergo imaging to help determine the severity of the issue. The right-hander is expected to be a mid-inning option if healthy enough to do so.

Aided by being out of options, Dubin is a strong candidate for a spot on the Houston roster, assuming that he’s healthy. He had a 4.17 ERA in 45 1/3 innings as a 28-year-old rookie last year.

Dubin’s reward for collecting a save Saturday is an option to the minors. The 29-year-old could be a part of Astros pitching plans during the postseason, but it seems doubtful. Ryan Gusto was recalled in a corresponding transaction

Sure, why not. The right-hander was just recalled Tuesday, and the Astros went with Dubin in a game that means nothing to Houston. It’s the second and very likely last save of the year for the right-hander.

Dubin is a fresh arm for the Astros bullpen in the last week of the regular season. He has a 4.15 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 45 strikeouts 43 1/3 innings for Houston this year.

Dubin has been shipped back to the minors to free up a spot in Houston’s bullpen for Kaleb Ort to return from paternity leave.

Dubin is back ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Pirates as extra relief depth. The 28-year-old righty has made 21 relief appearances this season in the big leagues.

Dubin has a 5.14 ERA in two starts and 21 relief appearances for the Astros this season.

The Astros are running out of healthy starting pitching options at this point, so they’ll turn things over to Dubin and presumably let him go as long as possible during Friday’s series opener against the Twins. The 28-year-old righty holds a pedestrian 4.91 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 27/14 K/BB ratio across 25 2/3 innings (15 appearances, one start) this season. He’s obviously not a recommended fantasy option, especially against a red-hot Twins lineup.