Injured Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia is on track to begin a rehab assignment by this weekend as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. According to reports from The Athletic, Garcia is likely to start pitching in games with the Arizona Complex League Astros. Manager Joe Espada has indicated the potential for Garcia’s assignment to the complex league.
For Garcia, this marks the final phase of his journey back to the Astros’ rotation or bullpen, depending on the team’s needs. The Astros are currently grappling with significant pitching depth issues. They are awaiting the return of Justin Verlander, who has been slow to progress from neck stiffness and won’t accompany the team for their upcoming road trip against the New York Mets.
Another pitcher, Jake Bloss, is also expected back from a 15-day injured list stint due to right shoulder inflammation once eligible.
Garcia is among eight pitchers currently on the Astros’ 60-day injured list, excluding J.P. France, who recently underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
The Astros have already lost Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery, with neither expected back before the second half of the 2025 season. Lance McCullers Jr. is also in rehab for flexor tendon surgery but is anticipated to return later this season.
Garcia’s 2023 season was cut short after just six starts due to right elbow discomfort, leading to Tommy John surgery. In his abbreviated 2023 campaign, he posted a 2-2 record with a 4.00 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 27 innings. His standout season came in 2022 when he contributed to the Astros’ World Series victory, tallying a 15-8 record with a 3.72 ERA in 28 starts.
Garcia originally signed with Houston as an international free agent in 2017 and quickly made an impact in the MLB during the truncated 2020 season.
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