Though Blubaugh was the Horizon League reliever of the year in 2021 and 2022, Houston drafted the Milwaukee product in the seventh round in '22 with the intention of stretching him out into a starter. Working in a piggyback system in his first full pro season, he notched 112 strikeouts in 100 innings while reaching Double-A, where he logged a 1.26 ERA in four outings. He continued to impress in the Arizona Fall League and looks poised for a breakout 2024 season.
The Astros have reshaped Blubaugh's pitches since he entered pro ball, and he has adapted quickly. He usually deals with a 92-95 mph fastball that features armside run and carry, and his heater climbed into the upper 90s when he worked shorter stints in the AFL. He has picked up an 82-85 mph sweeping slider and will add a tighter bullet version in 2024.
Blubaugh also has a low-80s changeup with interesting fade and tumble and an upper-70s curveball with good depth, though he struggles to throw them for strikes. Also a basketball and football standout in high school, he's a quality athlete who should have average or better control once he gets more accustomed to his repertoire and longer outings. If his velocity continues to increase, he could be the Astros' next pitching surprise.
