Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia. Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Astros RHP Luis Garcia suffers disappointing setback

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 11:56 AM ET

Houston Astros right-hander Luis Garcia missed all of the 2024 season and made just six starts in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery he underwent in May of 2023.

The hope for 2025 was that Garcia would be back in the rotation and regain the form that made him the runner-up for American League Rookie of the Year in 2021.

Unfortunately, the Astros are shutting Garcia down this spring due to soreness on that surgically repaired elbow.

Astros pitcher Luis Garcia was supposed to throw a live batting practice session today, but manager Joe Espada said he came down with a sore elbow and will be examined by doctors.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 20, 2025

What makes this setback even harder to stomach for Garcia and the Astros is the fact that he was supposed to throw a live batting practice. Being so close to returning yet now so far has to be extremely frustrating for the 28-year-old pitcher.

In that 2021 season, Garcia started 28 games and secured an 11-8 record with a 3.48 ERA and 1.178 WHIP with 167 strikeouts. In 2022, he also started 28 games and notched a 3.72 ERA with a 1.131 WHIP with 157 strikeouts.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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