Houston Astros pitcher Hayden Wesneski is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, as announced by manager Joe Espada on Sunday. This development adds to the challenges facing the Astros’ already depleted starting rotation, which is notably missing another key player.
Wesneski, who had been on the injured list since May 7 due to right elbow discomfort, initially faced difficulty in diagnosing the issue due to significant swelling in his elbow. However, a follow-up assessment with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister confirmed the necessity for reconstructive surgery, to take place this week.
Expressing his emotional struggle with the diagnosis, Wesneski said, “I still don’t know how to feel about it, to be honest with you. I’m kind of in denial a little bit.” The 27-year-old joined the Astros from the Chicago Cubs this winter as part of a trade involving outfielder Kyle Tucker and has been a lifelong fan of the team.
Wesneski’s season was limited to just six starts and 32 innings, following a three-month absence due to a forearm strain in the previous season. He reported that the current injury felt significantly worse. A decline in velocity during an April 25 outing raised concerns, prompting the team to skip his next start. Despite this layoff, Wesneski yielded four runs during a challenging first inning in what became his final start of the season.
The timeline for Wesneski’s return is uncertain, with Tommy John surgery typically requiring a recovery period of 12-14 months. However, the Astros have a history of pitchers returning to form even after extended recoveries. Wesneski will be arbitration-eligible this winter, which raises questions about his future with the team, particularly if the Astros feel he won’t be able to contribute significantly before 2026.
With star pitchers potentially departing and others recovering from injuries, the Astros are expected to depend on rookies Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon to fill the gaps in the rotation during Wesneski’s absence. Furthermore, injured pitchers Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and J.P. France may also re-enter the mix, but their return timelines remain uncertain.
The situation presents a fascinating dynamic for the Astros as they balance player performance and contractual obligations within the context of team strategy moving forward. Optimistically, teams often find new-found depth and unexpected talent in challenging times, and this could be an opportunity for Houston to discover new contributors among their young pitching staff.