After the Houston Astros made multiple trades to address their injury-riddled batting lineup, general manager Dana Brown decided not to pursue a starting pitcher in hopes of getting starters back from the injured list before the postseason.
Pitchers including Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier, J.P. France, and Luis Garcia are expected to return sometime in August. However, after Garcia’s fifth rehab start on Aug. 1, there’s growing concern about the timing of his return.
In his start for the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate on Friday, Garcia allowed three earned runs, three hits, and two walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings.
Through the five rehab starts in the minor leagues, Garcia hasn’t pitched more than three innings, but was able to reach a pitch count of 50 on Friday.
CBS Sports believes that Luis Garcia has a chance of getting another injured list destination after his troubling 30-day rehab window.
“The right-hander’s 30-day rehab window will come to a close later this week, but because he won’t be fully stretched out by then, the Astros could opt to extend his assignment if they intend to bring him back from the 60-day injured list as a starter rather than a reliever,” the CBS Sports article mentioned.
Garcia has been rehabbing from getting Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. In his recovery, the 28-year-old right-handed pitcher has dealt with multiple setbacks that have delayed his return. He hasn’t seen the big league mound in over two years.
With this news, Garcia’s pitch count could be reduced if implemented in the bullpen, but it remains unclear how Houston plans to use the young pitcher. The injury update is concerning for the Astros as the MLB regular season enters its final months.
