Astros Early-Season Ace Off to Historic Start, Makes MLB History

Ronel Blanco Cements Himself in Baseball History

The 30-year-old has delivered two dominant outings in an otherwise rough start for the Astros. Blanco was on the mound for two of the Astros’ three wins through the first 10 games of the season. Injuries to Justin Verlander and José Urquidy led to Blanco joining the Astros rotation, an opportunity he seized. Blanco signed with the Astros as an international free agent in 2016, making his major league debut in 2022. He made his first seven career starts last season. Blanco has pitched to a 4-1 record and a 3.80 ERA in 26 games for the Astros. Despite giving up six hits, Blanco pitched 15 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball in his five games in spring camp.

A Surprising Start to the Season

Blanco shut down two of the most star-studded lineups in the majors with a four-seam fastball and his newly added change-up. He has had excellent command of his new signature pitch striking out seven Blue Jays and drawing seven called strikes against Texas. In his first two starts, opposing hitters are 1-for-46 against Blanco with 11 strikeouts and six walks in 15 innings. 

“He’s pitching his way into establishing himself as one of the starters,” said Astros manager Joe Espada. “We expect him to continue to provide some good outings for us moving forward.”

Verlander began a minor-league rehab assignment over the weekend and is expected to make at least two starts before returning to the Astros rotation. Once Verlander is activated, the Astros could decide to expand their rotation and keep Ronel Blanco as their sixth starter. The more realistic scenario is that if Blanco outperforms J.P. France, he would retain his place in the starting rotation until Urquidy returns.

“Every time he steps on the mound, he wants it,” Espada said. “It’s an opportunity he’s getting and making the best out of it.”