Astros DFA pitcher, call up rookie on Saturday

Astros DFA pitcher, call up rookie on Saturday originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Houston Astros have started to find momentum after getting swept by the Detroit Tigers earlier this week. Heading into Saturday, the Astros have a chance to come out with the series win against the Baltimore Orioles.

Before Houston's game on Friday, the team made multiple roster moves within its pitching staff as the Astros continue to be plagued by injuries in the rotation.

Houston designated RHP Shawn Dubin for assignment to make room for rookie RHP AJ Blubaugh, according to Astros writer Michael Schwab.

Why did the Astros DFA Shawn Dubin?

Houston was able to get Shawn Dubin back from the 15-day injured list on Aug. 12. The 30-year-old relief pitcher suffered a forearm strain in his throwing arm on June 24.

Dubin was having an impressive season before suffering the injury. In 18 appearances, he had a 1.33 ERA while striking out 18 batters in 19.4 innings. 

After returning from the forearm strain, Dubin just hasn't looked the same. In the five appearances since returning this month, his ERA has soared to 5.61, giving up 13 earned runs and four home runs while striking out three batters in 5.1 innings.

MORE: Yordan Alvarez shows progress in impressive Astros rehab assignment

The Astros seemed to have lost trust in him and have looked to other options. Leading to the team calling up AJ Blubaugh. At 25 years old, Blubaugh made his MLB debut earlier this season on April 30, but he's spent the majority of the 2025 season at Triple-A Sugar Land. 

While Houston is running out of options in their pitching staff, Blubaugh will look to add some help either in the bullpen or the starting rotation. He has experience in both positions.

Through two appearances in his young career. Blubaugh has a 1-1 record, 4.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts in 9.0 innings.