Based on the names I have heard, the Astros would definitely do this deal and then probably keep looking for another starter and an outfielder. The Astros seem to think it is a foregone conclusion that they will lose Blubaugh and upper minor league pitching at the deadline at this point.
Zero positive thoughts on Detmers. Might as well keep Blubaugh and have him start every 5th day. He wouldn't do any worse. Detmers is a career 4.69 ERA and has given up 5 runs in 3 of his last 4 starts (17 ERs in 21 Innings) to go along with his 4.39 ERA this year. Blubaugh could easily give us 5 innings a start and allow 3 runs over that span and you don't give up anything. Detmers is the type of guy you trade to get an AJ Bluebaugh with control on your team (not the other way around) Detmers is a nobody. When's the last time the Angels produced a pitcher worth anything? It's been awhile.
I'm all for trading upper level pitching/players to strengthen the MLB roster. Pecko/Ullola/Mayer etc... should all be in play.
Career numbers don't lie with this guy and he's getting worse. You also don't put your playoffs hopes on a guy that's never been there. We already have guys like him on our roster and don't need to trade away pieces that could be better served elsewhere.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/07/mets-to-begin-fielding-offers-for-deadline-sell-off.html Holmes, Weaver, Baty, Manaea, Peralta, and Robert could all interest Houston depending on price.
3.35 FIP and a 3.38 xERA this season. 3.12 FIP and 3.61 xERA last season. The advanced numbers usually don’t lie. Just like when Spencer was pitching well and his advanced numbers said it was a fluke. Look what happened…he came back down to earth.
Astros really need to Orioles, Twins, and Tigers to tank these next two weeks to move 3 teams out of the buyers market and into the sellers market. All 3 teams also have multiple players that would interest Houston. Saw a note on an MLB article that Spencer Horwitz might be available. He could be a dark horse target. Very good LH bat who played LF in the minors. Not an ideal match but an out of the box candidate.
Arrighetti's downfall was obvious unless he reduced his walks. He was playing with fire too often. Detmers' K/BB is much better. His bad luck seems more real. If guys want to trade Blubaugh, why not just start him, even if only 3-4 innings? Astros have a surplus of "semi starters" who could balance the difference if they throw multi in most appearances. I like keeping Brice too because of the OF-2B potential, bat speed, and athleticism. He definitely needs to make more contact though. Astros seem to have a problem drafting position players. Peña is the only guy who's really produced consistently in recent years. Their traded prospects haven't done much. The best guy might be Loperfido and he's in Sugarland.
It’s not just bad luck with Detmers…the Angels are one of the worst fielding teams in baseball. Using a starter than only throws 3-4 innings every start doesn’t work. It taxes your bullpen, which is already getting taxed because of the rate of blow ups from the rest of the rotation. Detmers has a couple years of control as well. Aside from that, having a lefty in the rotation would help balance out the looks we are giving teams.
Two staffers averaging 3-4 IP equals one starter throwing 6 with one regular reliever. It's not just Detmers..... it's no Blubaugh, Brice, and another guy.
I have a feeling the Astros aren't starting Blubaugh to increase his trade value (or don't want it to plummet with a bad outing).
