Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias dusted off the playbook for his 2018 draft with the Houston Astros, as the Orioles announced on Tuesday they have claimed Shawn Dubin off waivers from the Astros.
Dubin was a part of the Astros’ 2018 draft class when Elias served as Houston’s amateur scouting director.
The Orioles claimed Shawn Dubin off waivers from the Astros. Dubin was drafted by the Astros in 2018, when Orioles GM Mike Elias was Houston’s amateur scouting director.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 26, 2025
Dubin had been a common presence in the Astros’ bullpen over the last two seasons. In 2024, Dubin posted an ERA of 4.17 in 45 and 1/3 innings pitched. This season, Dubin struggled to the tune of a 5.61 ERA and saw a dip in his velocity.
Orioles’ latest waiver claim has a surprising Mike Elias connection
As was the case with the Orioles’ claim of Josh Walker last week, Baltimore simply needs fresh arms to get them to the end of the season.
No, the Orioles aren’t battling for a postseason spot, but after tearing down their bullpen at the MLB trade deadline last month, and Felix Bautista being sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Orioles need capable arms in their bullpen.
Given the connection, it makes sense that Elias would take a flier on one of his former draft picks. Going under the hood on Dubin’s 2025 season, there is some reason to believe that he simply was the victim of bad luck in Houston. Despite the inflated ERA, Dubin had an xERA of 3.88.
That would suggest there is some success there that could be unlocked. Though Dubin’s FIP of 5.57 would suggest that potential success also has a ceiling.
In making room for Dubin on the 26-man roster, the Orioles designated Matt Bowman for assignment. Bowman. After posting a 3.45 ERA with the Orioles last season in an abbreviated role, Bowman struggled to find success this season.
Bowman had an ERA of 6.20 in 24 and 2/3 innings pitched this season before being the odd man out in Baltimore’s bullpen.
Dubin is out of minor-league options, so he will need to remain on the Orioles’ 26-man roster for the rest of the season. Not an incredibly hard task, considering the Orioles simply are playing out this stretch of games before shifting their focus to the offseason.
