The Houston Astros have placed right-handed pitcher Luis Garcia on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his elbow. This news, reported by Chandler Rome of The Athletic, raises concerns. Garcia recently returned to the mound after missing over two years due to Tommy John surgery.
In his first start back, he faced the Angels on September 1st and performed decently, allowing three earned runs in six innings. However, during his most recent outing against the Blue Jays, his fastball velocity dropped significantly. He averaged 90.2 mph in that game, down from 91.4 mph during his previous start. After feeling discomfort, Garcia quickly left the game, prompting the Astros to act swiftly.
If this elbow issue turns serious, it could be another setback for Garcia, who has already faced a tough recovery from his surgery in 2023. Missing a significant portion of the remaining season would have major implications for both his career and the Astros’ chances in the playoffs.
Over the last two seasons, Garcia had a solid record with a 3.60 ERA and contributed to the Astros’ success in the 2022 World Series. Since then, however, injuries have hindered his performance and earning power. Coming into this year, he earned $1.875 million but may end up facing a reduced salary for 2026 if his injuries continue.
The injury list for the Astros is getting lengthy. They’ve already lost several key players like Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski to season-ending injuries. The Astros are still in the playoff race, sitting atop the American League West, but their lead is slim. The Mariners and Rangers trail closely, making each injury all the more significant.
Currently, the rotation includes Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, Jason Alexander, and Cristian Javier. With Garcia out, the team may have to look to their minor leagues for reinforcements. Options like Colton Gordon and others in Triple-A could be potential fixes to their pitching staff.
As the Astros navigate these challenges, fans will be hoping for a quick recovery for Garcia and the endurance of their remaining lineup. Keeping an eye on these developments is essential as the team pushes towards October and the postseason.
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luis garcia (astros rhp),nick hernandez
