Astros promote LHP John Rooney

Field Level Media|published: Sun 24th August, 12:47 2025

Mar 2, 2025; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher John Rooney (79) pitches in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros promoted long-time minor league left-hander John Rooney from Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Rooney, who has been pitching in the minors since 2018, was acquired by the Astros from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3 in exchange for cash considerations.

Rooney takes the roster spot of rookie right-hander AJ Blubargh, who was sent down Saturday after earning the win with four innings of relief against the Baltimore Orioles. The Astros have been churning their bullpen since losing closer Josh Hader to injury.

Rooney was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Hofstra. After spending six years in the Dodgers' system, he signed a minor-league free agent contract with the Marlins prior to the 2025 season.

This season, Rooney forged a 2.45 ERA in 38 appearances out of the bullpen for Triple-A Jacksonville before being swapped to the Astros' organization. He posted a 3.18 ERA in five games for Sugar Land before being brought up Sunday.

For his minor-league career, Rooney has appeared in 209 games (51 starts) and compiled a 28-19 record and 3.84 ERA with 446 strikeouts and 194 walks in 419 2/3 innings.

--Field Level Media

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