ESPN News Services2 minutes to read
Houston right hand Luis Garcia He needs Tommy John surgery and will miss the rest of the season, which is another big blow to the Astros’ starting rotation.
No date has been set for Garcia’s surgery, and the Astros said he is expected to return sometime during the 2024 season.
Garcia, 26, was placed on the 15-day injured list this week. he Left beginning on Monday against the San Francisco Giants After only eight pitches with no elbow discomfort.
He was 2-2 with a 4.00 ERA in six games this season. Last season, Garcia was 15-8 with a 3.72 ERA in 28 starts. He was voted runner-up for the 2021 American League Rookie of the Year after going 11-8 with a 3.48 ERA in 30 games (28 starts).
Garcia’s injury came on the same day that fellow right fielder Jose Urquidi was placed on the IL with inflammation in his shoulder.
It’s another major hurdle for the Astros to deal with.
Star second baseman Jose Altuve He was out for the season after breaking his right thumb in the World Baseball Classic. Veteran defensive player Michael Brantley He has not played this year while recovering from right shoulder surgery.
Houston is also without an outfielder Chas McCormickwho has been sidelined since April 15 with a lower back strain.
Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that McCormick and Brantley could join the Astros at a later date on the Houston road trip, most likely when the team goes to Southern California to take on the Angels.
Friday’s Astros also added right-handed JB France to their taxi squad, and he’s expected to be activated on Saturday to make his major league debut against the Mariners.
France, 28, was drafted in the 14th round by the Astros in 2018. He is 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA through five games this season in Triple-A Sugar Land, striking out 26 and walking 11 in 19⅓ innings.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
“Student. Incurable problem solver. Amateur baconaholic. Introvert. Infuriatingly humble music fanatic.”