In just his second start back from Tommy John surgery rehab, Houston right-hander Luis Garcia left Tuesday’s 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Blue Jays in the second inning with elbow discomfort, raising concerns about the pitcher’s status and an already banged-up Astros’ rotation.
Garcia had thrown just 28 pitches when he signaled to the Astros bullpen to come out and check on him following a 1-1 88 mph pitch that was out of the strike zone to Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement.
Astros manager Joe Espada, along with the team trainer, came out to check on Garcia, and he was pulled from the game shortly after.
“It was a punch to the gut. He’s worked so hard to get back,” Espada said about Garcia, who underwent a 28-month rehab.
“Just to see him call us and point to his elbow, it’s tough. [AJ] Blubaugh came in and picked us up. Did a terrific job, but again the Luis blow, for the team and for him personally.”
Espada told reporters he didn’t have any information on Garcia, according to The Athletic.
Garcia declined to speak with the media through a team spokesperson, wanting to wait to comment until he knows the full extent of the injury.
Garcia had Tommy John surgery in May 2023 and suffered a number of setbacks during the recovery process, which prevented him from returning to the mound for the Astros until Sept. 1.
In his first game back, he pitched six innings and allowed three runs.
