Astros' Garcia returns to IL with elbow discomfort

The Houston Astros have lost another pitcher to injury.

Right-hander Luis Garcia, who completed a prolonged rehab from Tommy John surgery last week, returned to the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right elbow discomfort, the team announced.

Houston recalled reliever Nick Hernandez from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.

Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Garcia returned to Houston to be examined by the team's doctors, according to Matt Betts of MLB.com. Espada didn't provide any further details about his injury, and Garcia's status for the rest of 2025 remains unclear.

Garcia left Tuesday's start against the Toronto Blue Jays - just his second since 2023 - with the injury after throwing 1 2/3 hitless innings. His velocity was noticeably down during the start.

After throwing an 88-mph fastball to Ernie Clement in the second inning, Garcia immediately motioned to the dugout for trainers and was removed after a brief conversation.

The 28-year-old, a key member of Houston's 2022 World Series championship club, underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023. Garcia made nine minor-league rehab appearances in July and August before finally returning to the majors on Sept. 1.

"It was a punch in the gut," Espada said postgame Tuesday, according to Betts. "He's worked so hard to get back, and to see him call us and point to his elbow, it's tough."

Garcia's injury is another blow to an Astros pitching staff that's been decimated by injuries all season. Starters Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski both underwent Tommy John surgery early in the campaign, and Spencer Arrighetti is unlikely to pitch again in 2025 due to elbow inflammation. Star closer Josh Hader has also been on the IL since early August with a shoulder sprain.

The Astros enter play Wednesday clinging to a one-game lead on the second-place Seattle Mariners atop the AL West and are two up on third-place Texas after the Rangers completed a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers.