The Suspension That Sidetracked a Stellar Season
When officials handed Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco a 10-day suspension for having a foreign substance on his non-throwing hand, the decision surprised many. Blanco, during a breakout season, chose not to challenge the suspension. Although it is common practice to allow pitchers to change their gloves or wash their hands instead of facing immediate ejection and suspension, Blanco accepted the ruling without appeal. His suspension, which began on May 15, caused him to miss a critical part of the season, but he will rejoin the rotation against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.
No Appeal from Blanco: A Strategic Decision?
The right-hander’s choice not to appeal the decision raises questions. Around the league, pitchers in similar situations have often been allowed remedial measures like changing gloves or washing their hands to avoid suspension. Blanco’s unchallenged acceptance of the suspension indicates either a strategic decision or a resignation to the inevitable. This decision kept the focus on returning to play rather than entangling himself and the team in a potentially distracting appeals process.
Managerial Insight: Astros’ Strategy Moving Forward
Astros manager Joe Espada shared that Blanco had been actively preparing for his return, completing a routine side session the day before. “He threw his side yesterday. He feels pretty good,” Espada commented, confirming that Blanco would start on Sunday in Oakland. This news relieves Astros fans, as Blanco had been a significant force in their rotation, boasting a 4-0 record and an impressive 2.09 ERA over 47 1/3 innings before his suspension.
The Breakout Season Disrupted
Before the suspension, Blanco had sneaked onto the Astros’ roster just before Opening Day and quickly made his mark by tossing a no-hitter early in the season. His performance has been nothing short of dominant, making the timing of his suspension all the more unfortunate. Blanco’s suspension came into effect after umpires discovered a sticky substance—claimed by Blanco to be rosin—on his non-throwing hand during a game against the Oakland Athletics. Notably, using rosin on the non-throwing hand is not permitted, a rule Blanco admitted he was unaware of.
The Impact of the Suspension
Typically, Blanco has enjoyed four to six days of rest between starts, which likely contributed to his robust early-season performance. His shortest rest period was four days between a victory over the New York Yankees on May 9 and his subsequent start against Oakland on May 14. Blanco would have continued this rhythm without interruption if the suspension had not occurred, possibly maintaining or improving his impressive early stats.
Blanco’s Anticipated Return
As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on Blanco as he steps back onto the mound. His return is not just about one game; it’s about regaining momentum and proving that his early-season success was no fluke. For the Astros and their fans, Blanco’s performance will be crucial in solidifying their rotation and ensuring their competitive edge remains sharp as they progress through the season.
While the suspension was a setback, Ronel Blanco focused on contributing effectively to his team’s success. His immediate reintegration into the starting rotation underscores the Astros’ confidence in his abilities and character, signaling a promising continuation of what has already been a remarkable season for the young pitcher.