Boosted by emergence of AJ Blubaugh, Astros seek series win vs. White Sox

The emergence of right-hander AJ Blubaugh as a high-leverage reliever has changed the complexion of the Houston Astros' bullpen and could impact their potential, should they make the playoffs.

Blubaugh recorded his ninth consecutive scoreless appearance in the Astros' 2-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, and he did so in white-knuckle fashion by preserving a scoreless tie in the top of the eighth inning despite surrendering a leadoff triple to Tristan Peters.

Blubaugh induced two critical ground balls in the frame, the first from Sam Antonacci resulting in Peters being erased at home plate for the first out. The second was an inning-ending, double-play grounder from Miguel Vargas that set the stage for the Astros (71-69) to win in their final at-bat.

The Astros pitcher leads all relievers in the majors with 85 1/3 innings pitched. He served as a long reliever in lower-leverage situations earlier this season, but his potential for dynamic showings -- Blubaugh ranks tied for fourth among American League relievers with 86 strikeouts -- has elevated his profile.

"The moments are not getting too big for him anymore," Astros manager Joe Espada said of Blubaugh. "Obviously I'm starting to give him the ball in big spots because he's earned the right to do that. He can pitch out of trouble; he can get punch outs.

"A lot of good baseball in that inning starting with Blubaugh staying composed, pitching and getting the job done."

Right-hander Hunter Brown (4-3, 3.33 ERA) has the starting assignment on Thursday as the Astros pursue the four-game series win. He earned a 3-1 victory over the New York Mets last Friday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk with a season-high 10 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Brown was 1-2 with a 3.18 ERA across five starts last month.

Brown is 5-0 with a 2.27 ERA in five career starts against the White Sox. He threw seven shutout innings in a 4-1 road win over the White Sox on July 25, allowing two hits while striking out seven.

Right-hander Luis Castillo (4-10, 5.31) is scheduled to start the series finale for the White Sox. He did not factor into the decision in a 7-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins last Friday, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk with one strikeout over four innings. Castillo is 1-1 with a 6.45 ERA in five starts since joining the White Sox from the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline.

Castillo is 4-2 with a 3.97 ERA in 11 career starts against Houston. In his most recent start against Houston on May 14, he allowed three runs on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings while earning an 8-3 road victory with the Mariners.

To make room for right-hander Davis Martin, who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings on Wednesday, the White Sox optioned rookie right-hander Tanner McDougal to Triple-A Charlotte one day following his recall.

McDougal allowed one run on three walks and a hit batter while recording one out in his big league debut on Aug. 13 against the Cincinnati Reds, a 9-8 loss.

"He's going to be part of our future here, whether that's in the near term or long term," White Sox manager Will Venable said. "He's a guy that we're really excited about."

--Field Level Media