HOUSTON — Editor's note: The week after Blanco made the Astros roster on the final day of Spring Training, he threw a no-hitter in a 10-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. It was only his 8th career start and the 17th no-hitter in Astros franchise history, including the postseason.
March 26, 2024, is a day Houston Astros RHP Ronel Blanco will always treasure.
The pitcher and his wife Yanissa welcomed a baby girl in the morning. Then he went to the ballpark and struck out 10 in a 7-3 win over the Astros Triple-A affiliate Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
"What a day for Blanco. That was one gutsy performance," Astros manager Joe Espada told MLB writer Jeremy Rakes. "He's been in the hospital all morning, and then he comes here and competed for a spot, which he won. He's going to be in our rotation to start the season. I'm proud of his performance, and he had one heck of a spring."
Blanco also gave up a leadoff home run and walked two.
"I felt very good," Blanco said through an interpreter. "I felt very good with all my pitches. I was super comfortable with all of them. Obviously, some of them a little bit higher than others. I was able to make the adjustment and get through it."
When he walked off the mound, Espada gave him the good news.
"Once he came out, I thought that was a good moment for me to tell him after his day and how hard he's worked, and how far he's come, let him know he'll be on our team and he'll start the season in the rotation," Espada told Rakes.
In 2023, Blanco went 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 17 appearances, including seven starts.
The Astros will start the season without ace Justin Verlander as he continues to nurse right shoulder inflammation.
