Astros Predicted to Make Trade After Major News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Valdez | Last updated May 28, 2025 1:35 PM ET

The Houston Astros' pitching staff isn't as star-studded as past years, but it's still getting the job done. The team ranks sixth in baseball with a combined 3.38 ERA, led by right-handed starter Hunter Brown (7-3, 2.00 ERA)

Ace southpaw Framber Valdez (4-4, 3.39 ERA) is performing close to his career averages, while closer Josh Hader (1-0, 1.57 ERA) has converted all 13 of his save opportunities. Relievers Bryan King (3-0, 1.52 ERA), Steven Okert (1-1, 1.82 ERA), and Bryan Abreu (1-2, 1.90 ERA) highlight a deep bullpen as well.

However, the Astros announced unfortunate news regarding their starting rotation on Wednesday, via The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

"Houston Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco will undergo season-ending elbow surgery, the team revealed Wednesday, striking another blow to a battered starting rotation that the club will seek to fortify at the trade deadline," he reported.

"Blanco is the third Astros starter to suffer a significant injury within the season’s first two months and the second to require elbow reconstruction," he continued. "Hayden Wesneski underwent Tommy John surgery last week after making just six starts."

Furthermore, right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) hasn't pitched since April 5 and is still on the 15-day IL. The 25-year-old is 1-1 with a 5.59 ERA in two starts thus far.

Blanco (3-4, 4.10 ERA) had a career year last season, going 13-6 with a 2.80 ERA in 30 appearances, including 29 starts. The 31-year-old also tossed the first no-hitter of the campaign against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1, 2024.

However, Blanco's 2025 season is over after just nine starts.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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