What's Happening?
Luis Garcia, a pitcher for the Houston Astros, experienced difficulties during his recent rehab start with Double-A Corpus Christi. Garcia struck out six batters but allowed six runs, five of which were earned, on seven hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. Despite being able to pitch 84 times, Garcia struggled with command, giving up three extra-base hits, including two home runs, and generating only three groundouts. This performance marks a setback in his recovery from the 60-day injured list, as he had previously maintained a 2.29 ERA across seven rehab starts with different affiliates. Astros manager Joe Espada has indicated that Garcia's next steps are still under consideration, and he is not listed among the starters for the upcoming series against Colorado.
Why It's Important?
Garcia's performance is crucial for the Astros as they assess his readiness to return to the major league roster. His struggles in the latest rehab start could delay his comeback, impacting the team's pitching depth and strategy. The Astros are in a competitive phase of the season, and having Garcia back in form would be beneficial for their rotation. His previous success in rehab starts had been promising, but the recent outing suggests that further adjustments may be necessary. The team's decision on Garcia's next steps will be significant for both his career and the Astros' playoff aspirations.
What's Next?
The Astros will likely schedule another rehab outing for Garcia to further evaluate his progress and readiness for a return to the major league. The team's management will monitor his performance closely to decide if he can rejoin the roster or if additional time is needed for recovery. Garcia's future starts will be critical in determining his role in the Astros' pitching lineup as they approach the end of the season.
