Ronel Blanco DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco pitched a gem on Sunday, tossing eight shutout innings with 11 strikeouts in a 6-0 win against the Reds. He allowed two hits and walked one. While this would be the best start of most pitchers' careers, this comes in a close second to Blanco's no-hitter in his first start of 2024. This is the best he has looked this season by far, generating 16 whiffs on the night. The 31-year-old has been solid but unexciting up until this point, allowing more than three runs in a start only once but also allowing less than two runs only once. This is a reminder of Blanco's ceiling when everything is working at its best, and he's a solid mid-tier rotation option for fantasy.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (upper body) was pulled out early during Wednesday's spring training contest. Blanco was hit by a line drive in the upper body during his final inning of work. He didn't appear to be in much discomfort, but there was action in the bullpen after the incident. The Astros are likely just being cautious here with it still being spring training. Possibly a minor injury, but the Astros are likely to address Blanco's departure after the contest. For now, fantasy managers don't need to worry as it sounds like Blanco has avoided any kind of serious injury.UPDATE: Blanco gave a thumbs-up to Francisco Lindor, who hit the liner, and to catcher Yainer Diaz afterward.

Houston Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco won his 12th game of the season Saturday over the Los Angeles Angels 10-4. Blanco went six strong innings, surrendering two runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts. The veteran is 12-6 with a 2.88 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 163 strikeouts in 162 innings. Blanco has three wins in his last seven starts, with a 2.36 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts in 34 innings. He will look to continue his strong season with a start against the Cleveland Guardians this coming week.