March 26, 2025
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that starting pitcher
Luis Garcia (elbow) will seek a second opinion on his sore elbow after visiting with doctors, per the Houston Chronicle's Matt Kawahara. The 28-year-old had Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 and has encountered multiple setbacks in his recovery. He was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session last Thursday, but was shut down. The various setbacks, coupled with the desire to see multiple doctors, may indicate even more missed time to come for Garcia. Fantasy managers should wait until definitive news comes out, but they should not plan on factoring Garcia into their roster plans.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: Matt Kawahara - X.com
March 20, 2025
Houston Astros right-hander
Luis Garcia (elbow) has been shut down with elbow soreness and will be seen by team doctors, according to manager Joe Espada. Garcia was originally scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in camp on Thursday. The 28-year-old Venezuelan hurler had Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 and has encountered multiple setbacks in his recovery, which kept him from pitching at all with the Astros in 2024. Another setback right before the start of the 2025 season is ominous news, but we'll have to wait and see what the team's diagnosis on his arm is. When healthy, Garcia should be locked into the Astros' starting rotation, but it could be a while before that comes to pass. In addition to missing all of last year, Garcia made just six starts for Houston in 2023 before being shut down. Even if he pitches in 2025, he's going to be on a strict innings limit.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
March 19, 2025
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com notes that Houston Astros starting pitcher
Luis Garcia (elbow) is set to throw a live batting practice session on Thursday. The 28-year-old hasn't pitched since May 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. It's been a long road to recovery for him, as he suffered multiple setbacks last season during his rehab. The Astros have played it slow with Garcia, but he reportedly looked sharp in a bullpen session a few weeks ago and could be turning a corner in his recovery. His next steps will be determined depending on how Thursday's session goes. While the timeline for his return is unclear, he could rejoin the team in a few months after being stretched out. Garcia racked up a 27% strikeout rate over six starts (27 innings) in 2023 before being shut down. He's little more than a late-round flyer in fantasy drafts for the time being.
--Alex CiullaSource: Brian McTaggart
February 28, 2025
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Luis Garcia (elbow) looked sharp during a recent bullpen session on Thursday. Astros' manager Joe Espada said that Garcia is close to facing live hitters, which is great news. Garcia is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The Astros are going to take it slow and they've already said Garcia won't be ready for Opening Day. Possibly, Garcia is able to get into some spring training contests, but the Astros are going to wait and see how he progresses. Fantasy managers might have to wait a month or two before getting anything from Garcia.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Brian McTaggart
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