Astros’ Luis Garcia Likely Done for Season After Elbow Injury

The Houston Astros just got hit with another blow to their already thin starting rotation. Right-hander Luis Garcia landed on the 15-day injured list after feeling renewed discomfort in his right elbow.

This setback comes only two outings into his return from Tommy John surgery, which he had back in May 2023. The timing and nature of the injury almost guarantee Garcia’s 2024 season is finished, and honestly, it’s tough to imagine him back before 2026.

The Setback That Changes Everything for Luis Garcia

Garcia’s road back to the majors has been brutal. He spent a 28-month recovery period fighting through a string of setbacks—way longer than most Tommy John rehabs.

The Astros had hoped he’d finally be past all that and could help steady their rotation. But his start against the Toronto Blue Jays this week ended early with the same elbow pain that’s haunted him.

Astros manager Joe Espada sounded genuinely emotional about it, calling Garcia “like a son” and saying it was tough to break the news. The team hasn’t shared many details beyond “right elbow discomfort,” but Espada’s tone and Garcia’s history make you wonder if we’ll see him on the mound again anytime soon.

What This Means for the Astros’ Rotation

Now Houston’s got yet another hole to fill in their starting staff—a group that’s already been hammered by injuries. If Garcia’s done for the year, he joins a pretty rough list of Astros starters dealing with elbow issues:

• Hayden Wesneski
• Ronel Blanco
• Brandon Walter
• Spencer Arrighetti

For a team that started the season with high hopes, losing this many pitchers is a nightmare for depth.

Potential Replacements and Rotation Strategies

The Astros suddenly have to figure out who’s taking Garcia’s next start, which was supposed to be Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. They’ve got a few directions they could go.

Internal Options Houston Could Turn To

Two veterans—J.P. France and Lance McCullers Jr.—are still in the bullpen and could step in if the team wants someone with experience. But there’s also rookie AJ Blubaugh making a case for himself.

Blubaugh has quietly become a bright spot in the middle of all these pitching injuries. He took over for Garcia on Tuesday and tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings, showing calm and control you don’t always see from rookies.

That outing dropped his ERA to 2.57 in his first 21 big league innings. Those numbers are hard to overlook when you’re desperate for someone to eat innings.

Blubaugh’s Rising Stock

Manager Espada didn’t hide his praise for Blubaugh’s poise and versatility. The rookie is getting a real look for a rotation spot now.

Sure, rookies can be unpredictable, but with so many starters hurt, Houston might not have time to wait for him to develop. Blubaugh could find himself in a key role sooner than anyone expected.

Looking Ahead

This latest injury to Luis Garcia isn’t just a hit to the Astros’ rotation. It feels like a gut punch to their postseason hopes.

With several starters missing, the bullpen’s getting stretched thin. Houston will have to lean on creativity, untested rookies, and that stubborn resilience that’s kept them afloat in recent years.

If the Astros don’t stabilize their rotation soon, their chase for another American League title could slip away. For now, everyone’s watching Sunday’s matchup, wondering if AJ Blubaugh gets the ball as the club’s newest shot at weathering the storm.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Astros’ Luis Garcia lands on IL with right elbow injury, likely done for the season