In a tightly contested matchup between the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates, Astros manager Joe Espada opted for Shawn Dubin as his seventh-inning reliever instead of the usual Bryan King. Dubin, who has showcased impressive statistics this season, entered with a solid 0.77 ERA over ten appearances. He effectively neutralized the Pirates' right-handed hitters, contributing to a 3-0 victory for the Astros.

Espada recognized Dubin's potential for higher-leverage situations, noting his ability to handle both righties and lefties effectively. This performance comes after Dubin's earlier setbacks from injuries, making his current form a welcome return to the mound. His strategic use of pitches, particularly the slider, indicates his growth as a reliever, which could benefit fantasy leagues as he gains more trust from the coaching staff.