Luis Garcia’s anticipated minor league rehab assignment was set to begin this weekend, but the Astros are now exercising caution after the pitcher reported some discomfort. Astros manager Joe Espada informed reporters, including Matt Kawahara from the Houston Chronicle, that Garcia is experiencing “a bit of soreness,” particularly in his elbow, which he felt after a recent throwing session. Although Espada was clear that Garcia is not being shut down, the team plans to take a more measured approach with him.
Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, and his initial rehab effort was cut short after just two outings. He pitched one inning with the Astros’ rookie ball team in late June and then made a brief appearance of 1 1/3 innings for Double-A Corpus Christi in early July.
His progress was hampered by physical discomfort and issues with recovery between appearances, leading to a pause in his rehab. The Astros had been gradually increasing his workload, and following a successful live batting practice session last Tuesday, they planned another rehab assignment for him.
However, Garcia’s recent setback raises questions about when he will be able to return to the mound. The Astros are now considering the possibility of having Garcia return as a reliever, which typically requires a shorter buildup compared to starting. This shift could allow him to contribute to the bullpen later in the season or even in a postseason scenario, should the Astros make it that far. Nonetheless, the team will first assess whether Garcia can regain full health and return to his role as a starting pitcher.
Garcia had established himself as a key starter before his surgery, boasting a 3.60 ERA over 312 2/3 innings from 2021 to 2022. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Astros secure two AL pennants and the World Series title in 2022. Given the typical recovery time for Tommy John surgery, his return in the latter half of this season was highly anticipated, especially in light of the team’s pitching struggles.
The Astros’ pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries, further complicating Garcia’s return. Justin Verlander has faced his own challenges, first missing time due to shoulder inflammation, which delayed his season debut until April 19, and later, neck stiffness that has kept him sidelined since June 9. Espada noted that Verlander is progressing and is scheduled to face live batters during a practice session on Sunday. Verlander is expected to need several rehab starts to get back into form and return to his starting role.
Meanwhile, reliever Penn Murfee is also gearing up for his return. He will be throwing live batting practice at the Astros’ Spring Training complex this weekend as part of his rehab process. Murfee, who made his MLB debut in 2022, had an impressive rookie season with a 2.99 ERA over 69 1/3 innings for the Mariners.
He continued to perform well at the start of 2023 with a 1.29 ERA in his first 14 innings before undergoing UCL surgery in June. Murfee’s journey has seen him move through several teams, including the Mets, Braves, and eventually the Astros. If his rehab progresses smoothly, he could become a valuable addition to Houston’s bullpen for the stretch run.
Overall, the Astros are navigating a challenging period with their pitching staff, but the potential returns of Garcia and Murfee offer some hope. The team will carefully monitor their progress and health to maximize their contributions as they push towards the end of the season.
