The Houston Astros faced an early-season setback when pitcher Spencer Arrighetti fractured his right thumb during batting practice on April 7, triggering a stint on the injured list. He initially opened the season on the 15-day IL and was later transferred to the 60-day IL as he began a lengthy rehabilitation process. While the injury did not require surgery, Arrighetti’s absence locked up a valuable piece of the Astros’ rotation for about four months as he worked back to health.
The cast on his right hand, essential to healing, also sidelined one of Arrighetti’s longtime personal interests. The hard-throwing right-hander has long been enamored with Legos, a hobby he’s kept since childhood. The cast limited his ability to engage in that pastime and other activities he enjoys, making the recovery tougher on him in more ways than one.
Once doctors cleared him to resume activities, Arrighetti wasted no time in getting back to a semblance of normalcy. He asked to be allowed to play video games and, most importantly, to return to building with Legos. The experience, he believes, may have aided his recovery by helping him regain dexterity more quickly. “That stunk, but as soon as I got the cast off, I asked if I could play video games and do other stuff, and they said, ‘Yeah.’ Honestly, I think Legos might have helped me get more dexterity back quicker. You never know,” Arrighetti said.
Arrighetti isn’t the only MLB player with a fondness for Legos. Baltimore Orioles stars Colton Cowser and Gunnar Henderson have made headlines in recent seasons for an annual challenge to see who can construct a complex set the fastest, underscoring how personal passions can provide a constructive outlet during recovery.
As Arrighetti progresses through rehabilitation, the Astros will be watching closely to assess when he can rejoin the active roster and contribute to a rotation that’s dealing with early-season disruption. His comeback will be a reminder of resilience—how a patient, purposeful approach to recovery and a touch of creativity can help a player return to form.
Bottom line: Arrighetti’s injury kept him off the mound for months, but his recovery story—and the Lego-inspired dexterity he believes helped him rebound—serves as a hopeful note for fans and a curious example of how athletes leverage personal passions in the rehab process.
Summary: An April thumb fracture sidelined Spencer Arrighetti for four months, with a cast limiting daily life and hobbies. His return to form may be aided by his Lego-building and gaming during rehab, a habit he credits with helping restore dexterity. The piece also highlights a light, public-facing connection to other MLB players who share a Lego interest.