The Astros’ injury list keeps growing, and just as the regular season is about to begin, they’ve taken another hit—Luis Garcia. He hasn’t pitched since 2023, but this latest update won’t do Houston fans any favors. It’s a brutal reminder of the tough road ahead. With big names already gone—including Alex Bregman—and a mounting pile of injuries, the Astros’ path to the 2025 postseason is looking steeper by the day. So, what’s the latest on Garcia’s status?

The MLB Trade Rumors reported that Luis Garcia is seeking a second opinion on his elbow after suffering renewed soreness. The issue started with Garcia throwing in the spring. For the unversed, his Tommy John surgery in May 2023 hampered the hopes for a possible return in the second half of last season. The entire 2024 went for a toss for Garcia, and it looks like he won’t be pitching anytime soon, according to the Astros manager, Joe Espada, who said the organization is cautious because of his past. Opting for a second opinion surely caught more eyes, fueling concerns that Garcia is again getting sidelined for a long period. 

The Astros’ injury nightmare isn’t just about Luis Garcia. Their rotation is already paper-thin heading into the season, with Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, and J.P. France all sidelined. McCullers hasn’t pitched since fall 2022, and while there’s hope for an early-season return, his track record raises doubts.

With so many gaps to fill, Houston is placing its bets on youth. Ryan Gusto, whose MLB debut was washed away by a rainout last season, will take on a relief role. Colton Gordon will wait in Triple-A, but his turn may come sooner than expected. Can these young arms steady the ship, or will Houston’s season start on shaky ground?

A proven starting rotation of the Astros for 2025

The starting lineup for the Astros got altered this year, mainly due to losing their key contributors from last year to free agency. The impact of Garcia is less here considering he had his last full season in 2022. The 2024 World Series journey of the Astros was also without Garcia. However, Garcia’s 15-8 record in 28 starts in 2022 surely would have added a few brownie points this year for the team. The team reportedly is set to field Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Spencer Arrighetti, Ronel Blanco, and Hayden Wesneski in the starting 5-man rotation. 

Except for Wesneski, all others in the starting rotation are coming up with a strong performance in 2024. With a 1.91 ERA, Valdez had a great season last year, especially in the second half. Brown also had a remarkable 2024 season with the Astros, turning into a reliable starter with a 3.49 ERA and 179 strikeouts. Adding to them, Arrighetti’s 171 strikeouts and a 4.53 ERA and Blanco’s 13-6 with a 2.80 ERA were top-notch. Fortunately, the Astros are fielding the same rotation this year. Wesneski joined them this year with a not-so-impressive 3-6 record. Does it look like enough contending?

The starting rotation looks proven and tested from the last year. Yes, the presence of Garcia would have made the deal sweeter; hopefully, he will be back soon.

Do you think Garcia’s absence will affect the Astros’ pitching squad this year?