How serious is the injury to Houston Astros Mexican José Urquidy?

The team’s rotation suffered a devastating double blow in a fateful week for the Houston Astros. Just a day after it became public that pitcher Cristian Javier would have to undergo Tommy John surgery, Texas team general manager Dana Brown announced that Mexican José Urquidy would also need surgery. to repair his throwing elbow. Although the specific procedure will be determined after a medical examination, Urquidy will likely face a Tommy John, which would keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season and part of 2025.

Mazatlán native José Urquidy began the season on the injured list after suffering soreness during spring training. Rehabbing, when the Astros traveled to Mexico to face the Rockies, the Mexican right-hander said he was making progress. Yet he suffered tissue rupture again a few days ago during a minor league outing.

During the Mexico Series at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, Urquidy took time to talk about the growing injuries pitchers suffer and argued that much of the blame lies with the pitch clock that rushes men to the mound and does not allow his arm to rest sufficiently between throws.

Urquidy has already suffered Tommy John surgery in 2017, and facing another similar procedure now carries additional risks.

The situation is made worse by the Astros’ already significant pitching losses. Luis Garcia had a Tommy John in May and Lance McCullers Jr. had flexor surgery in June. Houston’s once-feared rotation now looks weakened and vulnerable.

Astros rotation in trouble

Verlander started the season on the disabled list with a shoulder issue, and Valdez missed a few weeks with an elbow injury earlier in the year. Since last season, the Astros’ rotation has been consistently plagued by injuries, which is reflected in a 4.73 ERA, the fifth-worst in baseball. Houston’s starters are last with 1.9 WAR.

A tough road ahead for Houston

Despite these challenges, the Astros maintain a 28-34 record and a recent positive streak of 15-10 in their last 25 games, offering a glimmer of hope. General manager Dana Brown confirmed the team would be a buyer at the trade deadline., prioritizing the acquisition of a starting pitcher. It is even with the possible return of García and McCullers at the end of the summer.