The Houston Astros have placed right-handed pitcher Luis Garcia on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his right elbow. This setback comes just a day after Garcia exited his start against the Toronto Blue Jays, marking a concerning turn in his recovery journey.

Garcia's Recent Performance

Garcia was making his second start after a lengthy absence of over two years, during which he underwent Tommy John surgery. In his recent outing, he managed to throw 27 pitches, 14 of which were strikes, before signaling discomfort in his elbow.

Manager's Reaction

Astros manager Joe Espada expressed his disappointment, stating, "It was a punch to the gut. He's worked so hard to get back. Just to see him call us and point to his elbow, it's tough." Espada also mentioned that Garcia had no issues recovering from his previous start on September 1, where he secured a win against the Los Angeles Angels.

Roster Adjustments

In response to Garcia's injury, the Astros recalled right-hander Nick Hernandez from Triple A. This move aims to bolster the pitching staff as they navigate through this challenging period.

Historical Context

Garcia's recent performance had been promising, especially considering his long road to recovery. His win against the Angels was a testament to his resilience and skill, making this latest injury all the more disheartening for the team and fans alike.

Looking Ahead

The Astros will need to reassess their pitching strategy as they continue their campaign in the MLB. Garcia's health will be closely monitored, and updates on his condition are eagerly awaited by the baseball community.