The Houston Astros got the news they feared most about Luis Garcia.
The club announced Friday the talented right-hander needs Tommy John surgery.
Garcia had to come out of the team’s game Monday against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning after facing just two batters.
Bad news for the Astros. On the day one starter, José Urquidy gets put on the injured list, another, Luis Garcia, leaves two batters into the game before recording an out. pic.twitter.com/sOovk7kqrC
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 2, 2023
Recovery from Tommy John surgery varies among pitchers, but the standard timetable has Garcia sidelined until midseason 2024.
No date set for Luis Garcia's Tommy John surgery, which usually carries a 12-14 month recovery. This will take Garcia out for the remainder of this season and at least half of 2024.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 6, 2023
It’s been a tough week for the Astros’ pitching staff. Starter José Urquidy went on the IL Monday and has been shut down from throwing for 10 days for inflammation near his armpit.
The Astros have called up J.P. France, who will get the start and make his MLB debut Saturday.
Garcia won 15 games for the Astros in 2022, posting a 3.72 ERA (3.90 FIP). He had a 4.00 ERA in six starts this season.
The Astros have already been dealing with the loss of All-Star second baseman José Altuve, who fractured his thumb in the World Baseball Classic. He has been cleared to resume baseball activities.
Astros manager Dusty Baker questioned aloud this week what many Houston fans have already wondered, given Garcia and Urquidy also played in the WBC.
“I just hate to think that some of our guys, especially the Latin guys, went to the WBC, are coming up lame and I’m just hoping that wasn’t part of the cause and the problem,” Baker said (via Mark Berman of KRIV Fox 26).