Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco turned in his most impressive performance of the season, helping lead the team to a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. After a shaky start to 2025, the right-hander showcased improved command and velocity, providing hope that he’s regaining his top form.
A Slow Start and a New Approach
Blanco’s offseason looked different this year, as the Astros encouraged him to skip winter ball and rest following a career-high workload in 2024. According to GM Dana Brown, this change may have contributed to Blanco’s slow start, which saw him post an 8.44 ERA in spring training and struggle in his first two starts.
Signs of Progress in April
Despite his early struggles, Blanco has shown steady improvement in recent appearances:
| Date | Opponent | IP | ER | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11 | Angels | 5 | 2 | Showed improved command |
| Apr 16 | Cardinals | 4.2 | 3 | Held STL scoreless until 5th inning |
| Apr 22 | Blue Jays | 6.2 | 1 | Best outing of the season |
Dominant Against Toronto
Facing the Blue Jays—a team he no-hit last year—Blanco delivered 6 2/3 innings of one-run baseball, allowing just two hits. His fastball reached 96 mph, and he mixed in his slider and curve effectively.
Manager Joe Espada praised the outing:
“I thought his stuff today was the best we’ve seen this year—he was sharp, efficient, and kept hitters off-balance.”
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Mechanical Tweaks and Growing Confidence
Blanco credited mechanical adjustments for his resurgence, stating through an interpreter that he’s been more in sync and has regained control over his changeup—an important pitch, especially against left-handed batters.
Opponents went 0-for-4 against the changeup in this latest start, a dramatic improvement from earlier games.
Stellar Defense Helps Seal the Win
Key defensive plays from Jeremy Peña and Isaac Paredes kept the momentum on Houston’s side, preventing base runners in critical innings. Blanco exited in the seventh after walking a batter, and left-hander Bryan King cleaned up with just one pitch.
Astros’ Pitching Remains a Strength
Despite some injuries in the rotation, including setbacks for Lance McCullers Jr. and Spencer Arrighetti, the Astros’ pitching staff has been solid, ranking among MLB’s best in runs allowed. Blanco’s recent form could be crucial in maintaining that level of performance.
“He pounded the strike zone, stayed efficient—that was a strong outing,” Espada said after the game.