True Astros Luis Garcia He left the night after defeating the Giants after just eight pitches. The club later announced that he was dealing with soreness in his elbow.
After the game, manager Dusty Baker told Team Victory that Garcia was headed for an MRI (Via Mark Berman from Fox 26). The captain called the removal a precautionary measure, though it’s still a cause for some concern until the imaging results are back. García met with the media as well, explaining that while he didn’t hear a popping sound in his elbow, he was in enough pain that he wasn’t able to continue promoting (Video provided by Brian McTaggart of MLB.com).
Even if Garcia has been able to avoid anything particularly serious, any kind of absence comes at an inopportune time for Houston. The Astros just lost Jose Urquidi To the list of injured this afternoon. He left yesterday’s outing with a sore shoulder and looks like he’s going to have a notable stint on the rack. Baker told reporters tonight that Urquidy’s MRI revealed inflammation and necessitated a complete cessation of throwing for an undisclosed period of time (Chandler crossed Roma from Athletic). Baker said only that Urquidy would be out “for some time”.
Garcia is arguably the most integral part of the Houston staff. The 26-year-old has allowed four earned runs per nine over 27 innings pitched this season. He fanned 27% of opposing hitters for 8.7% walks. Garcia started 28 games in each of his two previous seasons, posting 155+ frames with a top 3.00s ERA in both.
With Urquidy Lance McCullers Jr Outside and Garcia’s case is now up in the air, Houston is down Framper ValdezAnd Christian Xavier And Hunter Brown as spin locks. I remembered the Astros Brandon Belak from Triple-A Sugar Land to take a spot on Urquidy’s list. He filled in 75 pitches over four innings in unexpected relief from Garcia today and could step into a long-term rotational role.
JP France And Forest Whitleyneither of whom made it to the majors, in the 40-man roster and in Triple-A Sugar Land. Brian Garcia He’s also with the Space Cowboys and started four MLB games for the Tigers last year. He’s had a tough few weeks at the palace and he doesn’t take a seat with 40 men.