Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia missed the entire 2024 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023 and hasn’t pitched in a game since May 1 of that year.
Garcia has been rehabbing throughout 2024 in hopes of returning to the mound at some point in 2025. However, setbacks are common for pitchers recovering from major surgery. Garcia was projected to be part of the Astros’ starting rotation this season, but now it appears he may have to wait longer before making his return.
Houston Astros Pitcher Luis Garcia Suffers Setback in Latest Rehab
Astros manager Joe Espada spoke to reporters Thursday, March 20, and said Garcia has been shut down due to elbow soreness and will be evaluated by team doctors. He was scheduled to throw live batting practice, but that plan has been put on hold. It remains unclear when he will be cleared to resume throwing.
Astros beat writer Chandler Rome of The Athletic shared additional context on X.
“Luis Garcia has been shut down with elbow soreness and will be seen by team doctors, Joe Espada said. Garcia had been scheduled to throw a live BP today.”
Rome followed up with, “Luis Garcia faced hitters in October and, almost all winter, was considered ahead of Lance McCullers Jr. in their rehab schedules. It’s unclear how things have derailed. The Astros reiterated this week they will not make any member of their medical staff available for interviews.”
Luis Garcia faced hitters in October and, almost all winter, was considered ahead of Lance McCullers Jr. in their rehab schedules. It's unclear how things have derailed. The Astros reiterated this week they will not make any member of their medical staff available for interviews https://t.co/rrBg6EaG7j
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 20, 2025
Many Astros fans are frustrated with the situation.
One fan suggested the team should move on from its current medical staff, tweeting, “They need to make the medical staff available for work on LinkedIn. Idk why I feel like any arm injury now takes two years to recover from and we constantly have set backs in all our injuries.”
They need to make the medical staff available for work on LinkedIn. Idk why I feel like any arm injury now takes two years to recover from and we constantly have set backs in all our injuries.
— rhi. 🏁🏁🏁 (@neighborbeast) March 20, 2025
Another fan questioned the lack of accountability, stating, “No accountability for our medical staff? Sweet. Wouldn’t expect anything less from this ownership and GM.”
One more fan compared the Astros’ medical team to another struggling franchise.
“Their medical/strength/conditioning is almost as bad as the New Orleans Saints.”
Garcia made six starts for Houston in the 2023 season, posting a 2-2 record with a 4.00 ERA. In 27 innings pitched, he allowed 25 hits, 12 runs, 10 walks, three home runs, and recorded 31 strikeouts.
The 28-year-old was expected to be the Astros’ fourth starter behind Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Spencer Arrighetti, and Ronel Blanco. If Garcia misses an extended period in 2025, it would be a major setback after all the work he has put into his recovery.