RONEL BLANCO NEWS

Rolls to 13th win Blanco (13-6) picked up the win Friday at Cleveland, pitching five scoreless innings while allowing one hit and two walks. He struck out three.

Impact The Houston right-hander had pitched to a 0.95 ERA over 19 September frames entering this this game and wrapped with his third scoreless start of the month. Blanco yielded just a single hit -- a Will Brennan single in the fifth inning -- as he stymied the Guardians over his 86 total pitches. The 31-year-old caps a brilliant breakout season in which he was a fantasy star, producing a 2.80 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 166:68 K:BB across 167.1 innings, including a no-hitter April 1.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Fans nine in comfortable victory Blanco (12-6) earned the win over the Angels on Saturday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out nine batters over six innings.

Impact Blanco gave up a second-inning run that tied the score 1-1, but Houston put up six more runs by the end of the third to give the right-hander plenty of padding. He yielded just one more tally -- on a Logan O'Hoppe solo homer -- the rest of the way and notched his second straight quality start (and second consecutive victory). Blanco has emerged as a key part of the Astros' rotation with a 2.88 ERA (fifth-best in the majors among qualified pitchers), 1.10 WHIP and 163:66 K:BB over 162.1 innings, though it's possible he moves to the bullpen once the postseason begins.

SEPTEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Excellent in return to rotation Blanco (11-6) allowed four hits and two walks while striking out five over six scoreless innings to earn the win over the Angels on Sunday.

Impact Blanco struggled with a 4.98 ERA over 34.1 innings across seven appearances immediately after the All-Star break. He's since turned things around with a 13-inning scoreless streak over three outings (two starts) in September, though it likely helped that he had a turn through the rotation skipped last week. Overall, Blanco has a 2.88 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 154:64 K:BB through 156.1 innings this season. If the Astros stick with a six-man rotation this week, Blanco is lined up to face the Angels again, with that outing in Houston.

SEPTEMBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Available out of bullpen Blanco will be available out of the bullpen for this weekend's series against the Diamondbacks, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact Manager Joe Espada confirmed that the Astros will be returning to a six-man rotation following Monday's team off day, which means Blanco will be back in the rotation next weekend in Anaheim. Chances are, Blanco will return to the bullpen for the postseason, but with Houston not having another day off after Monday until Sept. 26, Blanco could perhaps make two starts before the end of the campaign.

SEPTEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Turn in rotation skipped The Astros are skipping Blanco's next turn in the rotation, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Blanco had been on turn to start Sunday against the Diamondbacks, but Justin Verlander will move up to take the ball on regular rest that day instead. Houston has an upcoming stretch of 16 games without an off day later this month, and they plan to return Blanco to the rotation sometime during that stretch. However, it's anticipated the righty will eventually move to the bullpen on a permanent basis prior to the postseason.

SEPTEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Could the Astros send Blanco to the bullpen? This story was excerpted from Brian McTaggart's Astros Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it reg...

SEPTEMBER 4 • MLB.COM

Eventual move to bullpen likely Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Blanco is the most likely candidate to move to the bullpen when the team shifts to a five-man rotation, Chandler Rome of The Athl...

Impact The Astros have been utilizing a six-man rotation since Justin Verlander returned from the injured list in late August, but a move back a traditional five-man setup is imminent. Blanco's next turn would come up Sunday against the Diamondbacks, but it's not clear whether he will take the ball that day or move to the bullpen before then. The 31-year-old has been a godsend for the Astros' rotation this season, but he does have a 4.35 ERA in the second half and is already more than 20 innings past last year's workload. Blanco was used almost exclusively in relief from 2018-22.

SEPTEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Earns 10th win Blanco (10-6) allowed three hits and four walks while striking out three across five scoreless innings to earn the win Sunday against the Royals.

Impact Blanco struggled with efficiency, needing 101 pitches to get 15 outs. He now has 13 walks across his last 24.1 innings pitched-spanning five starts. He's overcome his control issues to post a 3.33 ERA in that span, though he's failed to complete five innings twice while posting a 1.44 WHIP.

SEPTEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Falls short of quality start Blanco came away with a no-decision in Monday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Phillies, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

Impact The right-hander blanked Philly through four innings before giving up single runs in the fifth and sixth, and Blanco left the mound after 91 pitches (61 strikes) just short of his 13th quality start of the season. He's taken a big step back since the All-Star break, managing only one QS in seven trips to the mound while posting a 4.98 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 41:15 K:BB through 34.1 innings, and his career-high workload of 143.1 frames likely has something to do with that. Blanco will look for his first win since July 9 in his next outing, which lines up to come at home this weekend against the Royals.

AUGUST 27 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles against Red Sox Blanco allowed five runs on six hits and four walks while striking out six over 3.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Tuesday.

Impact Blanco was able to pitch after taking a comebacker off his finger in his last start versus the Rays, but he wasn't very effective in Tuesday's outing. He allowed three runs in the first inning and another two runs in the fourth before he exited the contest at 84 pitches (52 strikes). It was the third time in five outings Blanco has come up short of completing five innings, and he's now winless over his last seven starts. The right-hander is now at a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 136:55 K:BB through 137.2 innings over 24 starts this season. The Astros may move to a six-man rotation with Justin Verlander (neck) returning Wednesday -- if that happens, Blanco would make his next start at Philadelphia, but he'd be on regular rest for Sunday's game in Baltimore if Houston opts to stick with a five-man rotation instead.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Set to start Tuesday Blanco (finger) is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Red Sox, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact The right-hander reported some finger soreness after being hit by a comebacker during his previous start Wednesday, but he'll be ready to make his next turn through the rotation Tuesday versus Boston. Blanco has pitched well in his first three starts of August with a 2.40 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB across 15 innings.

AUGUST 18 • ROTOWIRE

Hit by comebacker Blanco was removed from his start Wednesday against the Rays after getting hit in the left index finger by a comebacker, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Impact Blanco reported soreness in his finger after getting hit in his left (non-throwing) hand by a 106-mph line drive off the bat of Brandon Lowe, prompting his removal after six shutout innings. Initial X-rays came back negative after the game, however, so it appears the 30-year-old righty managed to escape without suffering a significant injury. He's lined up to start against Boston on Tuesday, though the Astros will likely keep an eye on his finger up until then.

AUGUST 15 • ROTOWIRE

Labors early in no-decision Blanco did not factor into the decision in Friday's 8-4 win over the Red Sox, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts over four innings

Impact Blanco surrendered a two-run double in the second inning and allowed another run to score on an errant pickoff attempt in the fourth. He was pulled at 88 pitches in his shortest appearance since being ejected after three innings May 14. The 30-year-old is winless in four outings since the All-Star break, yielding 12 earned runs across 19 innings while failing to log a quality start. On the season, he owns a 3.02 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 126:51 K:BB across 128 innings and will try to get back on track in a matchup with the Rays next week.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Blanco stays solid while navigating career-high workload HOUSTON -- After providing a much-needed reinforcement to the Astros’ starting rotation in the first half, Ronel Blanco is still searching f...

AUGUST 4 • MLB.COM

Decent in Saturday's loss Blanco (9-6) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings, taking the loss versus the Rays on Saturday.

Impact A two-run home run by Josh Lowe in the fifth inning was enough to saddle Blanco with the loss. While he's allowed exactly two runs in four of his last six starts, he has an unfortunate 1-3 record in that span. The 30-year-old continues to put together an impressive campaign with a 2.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 121:48 K:BB through 124 innings over 21 starts. His next outing is projected to be at Boston.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

Fans nine in no-decision Blanco allowed four runs on three hits and three walks while striking out nine batters over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Impact Blanco gave up at least one run in three of the five frames in which he pitched, though the final two runs charged to his ledger came after he departed in the fifth inning. While the right-hander's final line was mostly unimpressive, he did manage to rack up a season-high nine punchouts while inducing 18 swinging strikes. Saturday marked the first time in 10 starts that Blanco failed to complete five innings, though he's now given up four runs in each of his past two appearances.

JULY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Fans nine in no-decision Blanco allowed four runs on three hits and three walks while striking out nine batters over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Impact Blanco gave up at least one run in three of the five frames in which he pitched, though the final two runs charged to his ledger came after he departed in the fifth inning. While the right-hander's final line was mostly unimpressive, he did manage to rack up a season-high nine punchouts while inducing 18 swinging strikes. Saturday marked the first time in 10 starts that Blanco failed to complete five innings, though he's now given up four runs in each of his past two appearances.

JULY 28 • ROTOWIRE

How many MLB no-hitters have there been in the pitch clock era?

How many MLB no-hitters have there been in the pitch clock era? Check out the full list here!

JULY 25

Takes loss against Mariners Blanco (9-5) took the loss Sunday against the Mariners, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out five over 5.2 innings.

Impact Blanco gave up a two-run triple to Dylan Moore in the second and then later surrendered a solo homer to Jorge Polanco in the fourth. He was charged with one more run after allowing a base hit in the sixth and that runner would come around to score on a three-run blast from Luke Raley after Blanco had already exited the game. The Mariners had a good amount of hard contact against Blanco, though he was still able to generate 19 whiffs on the afternoon. Blanco now has just one win over his last five starts and will look to correct that over the weekend against the Dodgers. The 30-year-old owns a 2.75 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 105:43 K:BB in 114.2 innings.

JULY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Takes tough-luck loss Blanco (9-4) took the loss Sunday against the Rangers, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks with five strikeouts across six innings.

Impact All the damage against Blanco came in the first inning, when Josh Smith launched a two-run home run. However, the Astros only managed to score one run until the ninth inning, sticking Blanco with the loss despite logging a quality start. The 30-year-old has been outstanding this season, owning a 2.56 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 109.0 innings at the halfway point. Before 2024, Blanco had a career 4.78 ERA in 58.1 innings and had primarily been utilized out of the bullpen, making him one of baseball's biggest breakouts so far.

JULY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Allows two homers in win Blanco (9-3) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven over seven innings to earn the win over the Marlins on Tuesday.

Impact Blanco gave up multiple home runs for the second time in three starts, but he got away with it since both were solo shots. He's allowed more than two runs just once over his last six outings, turning in a quality start in four of them. The 30-year-old continues to enjoy a breakout season with a 2.53 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 95:40 K:BB across 103 innings through 17 starts. Blanco could make one more start before the All-Star break, which is tentatively projected to be at home versus the Rangers on Sunday.

JULY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Settles for no-decision Wednesday Blanco allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Toronto on Wednesday.

Impact Blanco fared fine after giving up six runs (three earned) in his previous outing, though fantasy managers in leagues that count quality starts will no doubt be disappointed that he was pulled having tossed 5.2 frames. That hook may have also cost the right-hander a victory, as he had a one-run lead when he was relieved by Tayler Scott, who promptly gave up a single to allow the tying run to cross the plate. While Blanco has posted a modest 8.2 K/9 on the campaign, his overall numbers are strong -- he's recorded a 2.53 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 96 frames.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Strong again in win Blanco (8-2) allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out four over seven innings to earn the win over the Orioles on Saturday.

Impact Blanco wasn't as dominant as he was with seven no-hit innings last weekend versus the Tigers, but it was still an impressive showing. He's allowed just two runs over 20 innings across his last three starts after giving up four runs in each of his two outings before this stretch of dominance. The right-hander continues to thrive in his first full year as a starter, pitching to a 2.34 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 79:35 K:BB through 84.2 innings over 14 starts. Blanco is projected to make his next start on the road versus the Mets.

JUNE 23 • ROTOWIRE

Hurls seven no-hit innings Blanco (7-2) got the win Sunday vs the Tigers. He did not allow a run or a hit in seven innings, while walking three and striking out eight.

Impact Blanco flirted with his second no-hitter of the season but his elevated pitch count forced him out of the game after seven frames, and the bullpen would give up a hit the next inning. The 30-year-old righty mowed through the Tigers lineup registering eight strikeouts in another impressive showing. Blanco lowered his ERA to 2.43 as he became the eighth pitcher since 1900 to have multiple games of seven innings and zero hits allowed in single season.

JUNE 16 • ROTOWIRE

In full control, Blanco allows no hits in 7-inning gem HOUSTON -- Astros rookie right-hander Ronel Blanco, who made himself known to baseball fans by throwing a no-hitter in his eighth Major Leag...

JUNE 16 • MLB.COM