Ronel Blanco Prepares for Tommy John Surgery: What It Means for His Future

Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco is facing a tough situation. The 31-year-old right-hander is currently on the injured list due to elbow pain. The team announced that he will undergo Tommy John surgery, which means he won’t play again this season. Doctors expect him to return for the 2026 season, making it unlikely he’ll be ready for spring training next year.

The Astros have been vague about Blanco’s injury, fueling concerns for fans. General Manager Dana Brown mentioned they were hoping for good news, but with the surgery now confirmed, it’s a tough blow for the team. Losing Blanco leaves the Astros in a precarious position with their starting rotation already thinned out.

Currently, the rotation relies heavily on Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, who are performing well. However, the rest of the rotation is uncertain. Rookies Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon, along with Lance McCullers Jr., who has battled injuries for over two years, are trying to fill the gaps. Gusto’s ERA stands at 4.58 over 35 1/3 innings, while Gordon’s is even higher at 5.52 over 14 2/3 innings. McCullers has shown promise but lacks innings stamina; one outing saw him concede seven runs without finishing the first inning.

The team’s injury list is concerning. Starter Spencer Arrighetti is out with a broken thumb, and Hayden Wesneski has already had Tommy John surgery. Luis Garcia is dealing with recovery setbacks after similar surgery. Cristian Javier and J.P. France also had surgeries recently, leaving the Astros scrambling for healthy pitchers.

The team does have a few options in Triple-A, but they lack major league experience. AJ Blubaugh made a brief MLB appearance, and Brandon Walter has been doing well in Triple-A but is still finding his footing after a shoulder injury. The other candidates have limited track records, making it hard to rely on them.

If Houston can’t bolster their rotation soon, the strain on their bullpen, which has been performing admirably, will likely increase. The Astros face challenges grabbing any external help due to a tight budget. Owner Jim Crane aims to keep spending below the luxury tax threshold of $241 million in 2025. Recently, reports suggested they’re close to that limit.

For now, the Astros will need to make do with their current lineup. Arrighetti may return in a month depending on his recovery progress. However, most of their injured starters won’t be back anytime soon. With 60% of their original rotation sidelined, the team faces an uphill battle. They currently sit second in the AL West, just behind the Mariners, and share the Wild Card spot with Cleveland. Several teams are closely contesting these positions, making every game crucial as they navigate this challenging season.

The story of the Astros reflects broader themes in sports—you never know what’s coming. Injuries can change everything, and teams must adapt quickly. As they work through these struggles, fans hope for resilience and smart decisions from management to keep their postseason dreams alive.



Source link

ronel blanco