Wed May 28 15:40:00 UTC 2025: **Astros’ Pitching Woes Deepen: Blanco to Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Joining Long List of Injured Starters**

**HOUSTON** – The Houston Astros’ pitching staff has been dealt another significant blow as right-hander Ronel Blanco is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery next week, the team announced Wednesday. The news comes after Blanco was placed on the injured list earlier this month with elbow discomfort.

Manager Joe Espada confirmed the specifics of the procedure, stating that Blanco is expected to return sometime during the 2026 season. This timeline suggests he may miss the start of spring training next year.

Blanco’s injury exacerbates an already dire situation for the Astros, who are missing several key starters. Hayden Wesneski recently underwent Tommy John surgery as well, and Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and J.P. France are all sidelined with long-term injuries.

With Blanco out, rookies Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon, along with the recently returned Lance McCullers Jr., will be relied upon to fill the void. However, their inexperience and inconsistency present a challenge for the team.

General Manager Dana Brown admitted the team was “hoping for the best” when Blanco sought a second opinion, but the worst-case scenario has now materialized. The Astros are currently in second place in the AL West, just a game and a half behind the division-leading Mariners. They are also tied for the final two Wild Card spots in the American League.

The team is likely to explore trade options to bolster their rotation but may face financial limitations due to owner Jim Crane’s desire to remain below the luxury tax threshold. In the meantime, the Astros will need to rely on their remaining starters, Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, and hope for the return of injured players like Spencer Arrighetti to stay competitive.

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