The Astros’ injury-plagued rotation took another major hit as manager Joe Espada confirmed starter Ronel Blanco will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Blanco becomes the fourth Astros pitcher this year to require the procedure, leaving Houston scrambling to fill rotation spots amid a growing list of sidelined arms.
The Astros' pitching staff faced another significant setback on Wednesday, as manager Joe Espada announced that starter Ronel Blanco will require Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Blanco, who achieved a no-hitter in his season debut and was experiencing a breakout year, has become the fourth Houston starter sidelined by the same surgical procedure. He has been placed on the long-term injured list alongside Hayden Wesneski, Cristian Javier, and Luis Garcia.
“This one is painful,” Espada remarked. Ronel's dedication and effort have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. It is a significant blow, impacting both him and the team.
The injury surprised many observers. Blanco delivered a strong performance on the mound against Texas on May 17, completing six innings while throwing 92 pitches and exhibiting no apparent signs of discomfort. However, two days later, he reported experiencing soreness in his elbow, and subsequent testing revealed the most concerning outcome.
Blanco concluded the season with a record of 3–4 and an earned run average of 4.10. This performance comes on the heels of a standout 2024 season, during which he achieved a record of 13–6, posted a 2.80 ERA, and topped the league in opponents’ batting average. The remarkable ascent of an individual who transitioned from a car wash job in the Dominican Republic to securing a pivotal role as a starter in Major League Baseball stands out as one of the most inspiring narratives in the realm of sports.
The Astros' rotation faces a significant shift with Blanco sidelined, now led by Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown. Rookies Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon are set to assume permanent positions in the lineup. Lance McCullers Jr., who has been gradually working his way back from an extended recovery period, is anticipated to take the mound for his fifth start on Wednesday.
In addition to the current roster challenges, J.P. France is recovering from shoulder surgery, while Spencer Arrighetti, who sustained a thumb fracture in April, is aiming for a return in July.
Amid a series of injuries, Espada remains resolute in maintaining the team's focus, stating, “We’re still in the fight for the AL West.” “We will require players to rise to the occasion—this is the hallmark of our team.”
Blanco's surgery signifies another significant development in the Astros' challenging 2025 season, highlighting a critical examination of the team's depth as they progress.
