The Houston Astros’ pitching woes deepened as right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow. The move, retroactive adds another blow to a rotation already thinned by injuries. Top star, who has been a steady presence this season, will seek a second opinion on the ailment, according to manager Joe Espada. “He wants to go and get a second opinion,” Espada said. “Once he gets that second opinion and we have more clarity on the injury, we’ll report something back.”
His upcoming evaluation is scheduled for next week, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hanging over both his future and the Astros’ already battered pitching staff. The 31-year-old had posted a 3-4 record with a 4.10 ERA in nine starts, giving the team valuable innings during a turbulent start to the season. Losing him, even temporarily, stretches an already thin rotation close to its breaking point.
The Astros’ injury list reads like a who’s who of their starting staff. Hayden Wesneski is done for the season with Tommy John surgery. Spencer Arrighetti remains sidelined after a freak injury in batting practice broke his thumb. Meanwhile, key contributors Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier are still in recovery from their own Tommy John procedures. What once was a strength has quickly become Houston’s Achilles’ heel.
As the Astros try to stay competitive in a tough AL West, finding reinforcements — either internally or through trades — may soon become a necessity. Blanco’s setback is yet another reminder of how quickly a season can be derailed by injury. While fans hope for positive news after his second opinion, the Astros must prepare for the worst and plan accordingly.