Astros’ Luis Garcia exits with elbow discomfort in second start since Tommy John rehab

HOUSTON — Houston Astros right-hander Luis Garcia left Tuesday night’s 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Toronto Blue Jays after two innings with elbow discomfort, a setback in just his second start since completing a lengthy Tommy John surgery rehabilitation.

Garcia threw 28 pitches before signaling to the Astros’ bullpen and pointing to his elbow following an 88 mph, 1-1 pitch out of the strike zone to Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement. Manager Joe Espada and a team trainer came out to the mound and checked on Garcia before the right-hander was removed. "It was a punch to the gut. He’s worked so hard to get back," Espada said. "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 did not have additional information on Garcia's condition, according to The Athletic. Garcia declined to speak with media through a team spokesperson, saying he would wait until he knew the full extent of the issue.

Garcia had undergone Tommy John surgery in May 2023 and endured multiple setbacks during a rehabilitation process that stretched 28 months, delaying his return to the major-league mound until Sept. 1. In his first start back, he lasted six innings and allowed three runs. The second-inning departure on Sept. 9 at Rogers Centre in Toronto leaves the Astros with another question mark in an already banged-up rotation.

Reliever AJ Blubaugh replaced Garcia and provided a scoreless outing that helped lengthen the game into extra innings, but the Astros ultimately fell in the 10th. The team did not immediately announce any testing or an updated diagnosis for Garcia following the game, and there was no timetable for further evaluation or imaging.

The abrupt exit drew immediate concern given Garcia’s recent history. After the surgery in 2023, the Astros and their medical staff managed a cautious, extended rehab plan that included setbacks significant enough to delay his big-league return until this month. Garcia’s second start offered hope for stability in the rotation following that extended absence; instead, the early exit reintroduces uncertainty for both the pitcher and the club.

Teammates and staff were visible on the field as Garcia departed, and images from the game showed him being attended to by trainers before leaving the mound. The Astros said only that they would provide updates when more information was available.

Houston was scheduled for follow-up roster and medical evaluations in the coming days as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. The club's immediate priority will be determining the severity of Garcia’s elbow complaint and whether he requires imaging or further treatment. Until the team releases additional information, Garcia’s status remains uncertain.

The Astros will provide updates as available. Espada’s postgame comments underscored the immediate emotional impact on the club: he called the moment a blow for both the team and Garcia personally. Beyond that, the organization declined to offer a prognosis pending further medical evaluation.