Luis García exits with elbow discomfort in second start back from Tommy John rehab
Right-hander left after 28 pitches in Astros’ 4-3, 10-inning loss to Blue Jays; team has not released further medical details.
HOUSTON — Houston Astros right-hander Luis García exited in the second inning of Tuesday’s 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Toronto Blue Jays after signaling for the bullpen with apparent elbow discomfort, the club said, marking a troubling development in just his second start since returning from an extended Tommy John rehabilitation.
García had thrown 28 pitches when he motioned to the Astros’ bullpen following an 88 mph pitch that missed the strike zone to Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement. Manager Joe Espada and a team trainer came out to the mound, and García was removed shortly after. Espada called the moment “a punch to the gut,” saying, “He’s worked so hard to get back. Just to see him call us and point to his elbow, it’s tough.”
Reliever A.J. Blubaugh entered in relief and finished the outing for Houston; Espada praised his work, saying Blubaugh “came in and picked us up. Did a terrific job.” The Astros have not released further medical information. According to The Athletic, Espada told reporters he had no additional details, and García declined to speak to the media through a team spokesperson, saying he wanted to wait until he knew the full extent of the issue.
García, 26, underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023 and endured multiple setbacks during a rehabilitation process that lasted roughly 28 months, delaying his return to the major-league mound until Sept. 1. In his first start back this season, García threw six innings and allowed three runs.
Tuesday’s early exit increases uncertainty around a Houston rotation that has already been hampered by injuries this season. The team did not announce any immediate diagnostic tests or an official timetable for García’s evaluation following the game at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The Astros fell to the Blue Jays 4-3 in 10 innings; the loss was decided after extra innings play following García’s departure early in the game. Espada did not speculate about a possible diagnosis or longer-term implications but acknowledged the emotional toll, both for the club and for García personally, after a protracted recovery process.
The Astros will await further medical evaluation before announcing any roster moves or an official update on García’s status. García’s preference to withhold comment pending additional information was conveyed by the team’s communications staff after the game.