Houston Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow next week, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2025 season. The 31-year-old pitcher had sought a second opinion after being placed on the injured list last week due to elbow inflammation.
Astros manager Joe Espada expressed disappointment and frustration with the news, stating that it’s “very hard” for the team, which already has several starting pitchers on the injured list. Blanco is anticipated to return at some point during the 2026 season.
The Astros’ injury woes are compounded by other notable absences, including Hayden Wesneski, who also underwent Tommy John surgery last week, and Spencer Arrighetti, who broke his right thumb in April. Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier are still recovering from their own Tommy John surgeries.
Espada emphasized the need for the team to rally behind Blanco and find new solutions. “Somebody will come up and step up and pick these innings up,” he said.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45360913/astros-ronel-blanco-opts-season-ending-elbow-surgery