The Houston Astros placed starting pitcher Luis Garcia on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right elbow injury, according to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome. It’s a devastating blow for Garcia, who made just two starts after spending more than two years recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Garcia returned Sept. 1 and delivered a quality start against Toronto, giving up three runs across six innings with six strikeouts. But he lasted just 1.2 innings in his second start Tuesday before motioning to the dugout and leaving with what’s now confirmed as another elbow issue.
The timing couldn’t be worse for a guy who’s already battled back from so much.
“I feel for him like he’s my son,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before Wednesday’s game. “This guy has worked extremely hard. That’s the call as a manager you never want to get — be called to the mound or to the field because there’s something wrong. It’s tough. Hopefully, we get him back and he can work his way back, but that was a very tough conversation.”
Luis Garcia motioned to the dugout after feeling something after this pitch and was removed from the game
It was just his second start after missing more than two years with Tommy John Surgery pic.twitter.com/VA1Q4fTPHh
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 10, 2025
Garcia had developed into a reliable starter during his first three years, averaging a 3.37 ERA before undergoing Tommy John surgery after just six starts in 2023. Now he’s facing another elbow injury — never a good sign for any pitcher, especially one who’s already had the surgery.
Rotation Taking Heavy Hits
Garcia’s injury marks the second blow to Houston’s rotation in a week. Spencer Arrighetti was placed on the IL last Wednesday with right elbow inflammation.
That adds to an already lengthy list of pitchers the Astros are without due to elbow injuries: Hayden Wesneski, Ronel Blanco, and Brandon Walter.
But Houston’s injury bug might be creating an opportunity for someone else.
AJ Blubaugh came in to relieve Garcia on Tuesday and pitched 3.1 scoreless innings. The 25-year-old right-hander has appeared in just seven games this season, but he’s been impressive when called upon — posting a 2.57 ERA across 21 innings with 25 strikeouts.
AJ Blubaugh introduced himself to the Blue Jays with a healthy dose of fastballs to stump their batters over 3.1 scoreless innings
He has the tools to be a key piece for the Astros in their playoff run pic.twitter.com/4PWqELjdbq
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) September 10, 2025
“We were excited about the future with him, but now looking ahead for years, it’s a tough one,” Espada said. “He can start. He can come out of the (bullpen) — his stuff plays up out of the pen. He’s not afraid to come after hitters. He showed that yesterday against a really good Blue Jays lineup.”
That’s the kind of versatility every team needs, especially during a playoff push.
Options to Fill the Void
Blubaugh has made one start this year with his other six appearances coming out of the bullpen. With him pitching the same day as Garcia, it makes sense for him to slot into Garcia’s next rotation spot.
Houston also has two experienced starters available in Lance McCullers Jr. and J.P. France, both of whom have been pitching out of the bullpen since returning from their own injuries. Either could step back into a starting role.
The Astros will need to make a decision soon. With so many arms already down, they can’t afford to wait around. Blubaugh’s performance Tuesday night might’ve been his audition for a bigger role — and from where I’m sitting, he passed with flying colors.
For Garcia, it’s back to the drawing board. After everything he’s been through, this has to be heartbreaking. The hope is that it’s something minor, but elbow injuries for pitchers — especially ones who’ve already had Tommy John — are always cause for concern.
