The Houston Astros were holding on to hope. The hope is that Luis Garcia, the once-cornerstone of their rotation, will make a big entry this season. He has had months of rehab and shown plenty of progress, making everyone believe in him.

But now, all those hopes have come to a pause… rather, a full stop.

As Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported, Garcia’s latest MRI result is in. And it’s not looking good at all. Instead of clearing any hurdle, he got himself into a rather tricky situation. The scan, in fact, revealed that he had inflammation in his surgically repaired right elbow. Not good to hear that at all.

Now, the Houston Astros have shut him down from throwing completely. And a revaluation can only happen four weeks from now. This is the last thing the team needed because Garcia’s absence has already been pushed and stretched to the max. He just made six starts in 2023 before going through Tommy John surgery, ending his season.

When the 18.75 million Houston star picked up the ball again in spring training, there came a glimmer of hope. Maybe he could help down the road. For now, though, it’s four more weeks of him on the outs and the Astros in a sea of uncertainty. And fans are not taking this news well—they are everything from heartbroken to angry and disappointed.

Luis Garcia’s road speed bump leaves Houston Astros fans heartbroken

A dynasty is coming to an end—a huge statement coming from the fan. But not wrong, because Luis Garcia has been a key player for the Houston Astros’ success when they were one of the top teams. He was a starter they could rely on. From 2021-22, he went 26-16 with a 3.60 ERA and even picked up the first-place AL Rookie of the Year votes back in 2021. Garcia was also a key player in the 2022 postseason. He allowed only one run in 5.2 innings and helped Houston win their second World Series title in six years. So he is a huge deal.

A harsh pun by a fan. But prolonged recovery has been the truth for Luis Garcia, and it’s undeniable. Tommy John surgery is brutal, and yes, it does take time—around 12-18 months—to get healthy after it. Now he had the surgery back in May of 2023, which makes it two years since Garcia has only just recovered. He isn’t even game-ready today, and hence, most feel that they cannot rely on him coming back.

The user on X just voiced pretty much what Houston fans are thinking. They simply cannot rely on Garcia. Because at first, he was set to come before the end of the 2023 season itself. That didn’t happen, and it was understandable. But then he made a rehab start at Double-A, allowed four runs in 1.1 innings, and then he was shut down again. Now hope came; he could return in 2025—but NO!

The fans have started bidding their byes already, and it does sound harsh. But the reality is that Luis Garcia’s future with the Houston Astros is truly uncertain. He has just one year of arbitration left before he becomes a free agent in 2027. But given his recovery keeps lapsing, the Astros might be forced to move on before then even. But yes, when fully healthy, one cannot deny his power. He posted a 3.72 ERA over 28 starts and struck out 157 batters in 157.1 innings. So a healthy Garcia is, of course, a huge boost to the rotation. But how long can one tea really wait?

A fan compared Luis Garcia to Lance McCullers Jr., who is another player going more or less through the same thing. The only difference? Well, McCuller is at least moving in the right direction. He is set to go for his second rehab this Saturday at Double-A Corpus Christi. Garcia is stuck in a limbo. At this point, Houston needs all the pitching help it can get.

This sure comes as a huge blow for the Houston Astros. What do you feel about this setback? Let us know.