The Houston Astros have announced that right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco will undergo season-ending elbow surgery next week. While the team did not disclose the specific surgical procedure, manager Joe Espada confirmed that Blanco will have Tommy John surgery. His anticipated return is set for the 2026 season, although pitchers typically take about 14 months to recover from such an operation. If that timeline holds true for Blanco, he may not pitch in the majors until after the 2026 All-Star Game.
Blanco, 31, has not taken the mound since May 17 due to ongoing arm issues. This season, he made nine starts, recording a 4.10 ERA with a striking 2.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Remarkably, Blanco had a standout 2024 season, boasting a 2.80 ERA and a 2.44 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 167 innings. His season kicked off on an impressive note with a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, followed by another strong outing where he allowed just one hit in six innings.
Blanco adds to the list of injured Astros pitchers, which includes fellow starters Spencer Arrighetti, who is sidelined with a fractured thumb, and J.P. France, recovering from shoulder capsule surgery. The team is also dealing with the long-term absences of pitchers Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and Hayden Wesneski, all of whom are on the road to recovery from Tommy John surgery. Javier is nearing a year post-surgery, while Garcia has not appeared in the big leagues since his procedure in May 2023.
The Astros have recently welcomed back Lance McCullers Jr. to the rotation after his own lengthy recovery. In light of these injuries, the team has had to rely on newcomers, including rookies Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon, to fill in the rotation gaps.
Despite these challenges, as of Wednesday, the Astros maintained a competitive 29-25 record, placing them in second in the American League West, just 1 ½ games behind the Seattle Mariners. This demonstrates their resilience and determination to stay in the playoff race, even amid the hurdles of injuries.
It’s a challenging time for the Astros, but the potential for recovery and the emergence of young talent could lay the groundwork for a hopeful future. With patience and effective rehabilitation, the team may rebound and re-establish its dominance in the league as their injured players return.