Kansas City Royals starter Kris Bubic continued his torrid start to the 2025 campaign Tuesday night against the Houston Astros.
Bubic limited the Astros to one run across 6 ⅓ innings. He allowed six hits and added nine strikeouts in his ninth start of the season.
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“He threw the ball great,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The command was great and a ton of swing and miss. Ton of soft contact. Just one home run.”
The Royals (25-19) fell 2-1 to the Astros. Houston (21-20) prevailed as Isaac Parades hit a walk-off home run against John Schreiber in the ninth inning.
“Overall, I felt good,” Bubic said. “I know (Framber) Valdez was doing his thing on the other side, too. The game was moving, but overall I pitched deep into the game and Lucas (Erceg) came in and did a great job getting out of that jam there in the seventh inning.”
Bubic, who earned a no decision, now sports a 1.66 ERA and has six quality starts on the year. He trails Max Fried (1.03 ERA), Tyler Mahle (1.47 ERA) and Hunter Brown (1.48 ERA) among American League leaders.
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It begs the question: Should Bubic receive All-Star consideration?
Bubic has been the Royals’ best starter this season. He continues to pitch well in a return to the starting rotation following Tommy John surgery.
On Tuesday, Bubic worked out of multiple jams.
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) pitches against the Houston Astros in the fourth inning at Daikin Park on May 13, 2025.
He struck out Astros catcher Yainer Diaz with a 94.2 mph fastball. Later, he stranded Astros star Jose Altuve at second base. Bubic struck out Paredes and Christian Walker in order. Then, he induced Diaz to fly out to end the frame.
“We talked about (having) to mix really good,” Royals catcher Freddy Fermin said. “He was mixing everything and it was working. The changeup, sweeper, slider and he has a special fastball. It was really good.”
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Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena provided the lone damage. He hit a solo home run into the Crawford Boxes in left field. It was his sixth home run as Bubic left a four-seam fastball over the inside part of the plate.
The homer also snapped Bubic’s 17-inning scoreless streak.
The Royals scored one run against Astros star Valdez. Fermin logged an RBI single in the fifth inning and also made a terrific throw on Jake Meyers’ stolen base attempt.
The story, though, was Bubic, who showed why his All-Star candidacy is legitimate — and why he looks to keep it going moving forward.
“It’s probably the best overall stuff that I’ve had all year,” Bubic said. “I’ve had some interesting outings here in the past, too. I don’t know if I like just pitching here or something.”
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He registered a combined 40 swings and 22 whiffs with his fastball and changeup. At one point, he added four consecutive strikeouts by relying on both pitches.
“He’s spoiled us,” Quatraro said. “I mean, he’s throwing the ball exceptionally well all year. He had a 1.69 ERA prior to tonight. You know, I don’t know if that’s the best, but it’s certainly among the best outings he’s had.”
What’s next: The Royals conclude their three-game series against the Houston Astros on Wednesday night at Daikin Park. Michael Lorenzen (3-3. 3.57 ERA) draws the start after posting seven shutout innings in his last outing.