Astros starter Luis García to have Tommy John surgery, out for rest of season

SEATTLE — Houston starter Luis García wants Tommy John surgical procedure and can miss the remainder of the season, one other main blow to the Astros’ rotation.

The defending World Series champions introduced García’s standing earlier than Friday evening’s recreation in Seattle. The right-hander was positioned on the 15-day injured record this week. He left Monday’s begin towards the San Francisco Giants after eight pitches with elbow discomfort.

“That’s a tremendous blow. I mean, I was praying that it was something different, something minor,” supervisor Dusty Baker mentioned after Houston’s 6-4 win. “You’re all the time afraid of that when it’s within the elbow.”

García’s damage got here the identical day fellow right-hander Jose Urquidy was positioned on the IL with irritation in his pitching shoulder. A date for García’s surgical procedure had not been set.

The lack of García is one other main hurdle for the Astros to take care of.

Star second baseman Jose Altuve has been out all season after breaking his proper thumb within the World Baseball Classic. Veteran outfielder Michael Brantley hasn’t performed this yr whereas recovering from proper shoulder surgical procedure.

Houston can also be with out outfielder Chas McCormick, who has been sidelined since April 15 with decrease again tightness.

Baker mentioned earlier than Friday’s recreation that McCormick and Brantley may be a part of the Astros in a while Houston’s highway journey, doubtless when the workforce goes to Southern California to face the Angels. Baker spoke previous to the news about García being introduced.

García was 2-2 with a 4.00 ERA in six begins this season. Last season he went 15-8 with a 3.72 ERA in 28 begins and in 2021, García was second in AL Rookie of the Year voting after going 11-8 with a 3.48 ERA in 30 video games (28 begins).

“He’s a strong kid. He’s in good spirits, but it’s a tremendous blow,” Baker mentioned. “Hopefully (J.P.) France and some of the other young guys can give us a lift.”