The Houston Astros (78–66) are stumbling across the finish line as the postseason approaches, with the starting pitching rotation decimated by injuries and the healthy arms underperforming.
Most recently, however, the Astros received reinforcements on September 1 when former rising star Luis Garcia returned to the pitching mound after a lengthy rehab process recovering from Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
After suffering a setback in his recovery, it also delayed his return to the mound this year, but he has finally made his season debut in 2025.
Garcia’s return provides the Astros with a glimmer of hope that he can return to his 2021 form that saw him finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Luis Garcia Injury Update
Unfortunately, during Garcia’s second start back against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, the 28-year-old right-hander was pulled early in the bottom of the second inning. Garcia motioned at his right arm toward the dugout—the arm that underwent Tommy John surgery and has taken months to return to the big-league level. The Astros announced moments later that he had left due to elbow discomfort.
“Luis Garcia left today’s game with ‘right elbow discomfort,’ according to the Astros,” wrote The Athletic’s Chandler Rome.
Luis Garcia left today's game with "right elbow discomfort," according to the Astros
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 10, 2025
Garcia’s injury comes at an unfortunate time for Houston as they recently also lost Spencer Arighetti to the injured list, and Garcia was expected to log quality innings heading into October.
The Astros are also struggling to hold on to first place in the AL West, with the Seattle Mariners just two games behind and the Texas Rangers getting hot, putting them only 3.5 games back—so the pressure is mounting.
It is most unfortunate for Garcia, and if he’s required to undergo another major arm surgery, it would bring forth another long, tumultuous road back to the major leagues.
Garcia’s velocity has already dropped off significantly (91 miles per hour average), and it is unknown if his arm will ever return to form.
Once a young promising right-hander who even pitched for the Astros in the World Series in 2022 has seen his career derailed by injuries.
