The Houston Astros announced that the right-handed superstar Ronel Blanco will undergo elbow surgery next week. Blanco is set to miss the entire 2025 MLB season due to this surgery.
The Astros did not specifically mention the type of surgery he will undergo, however, manager Joe Espada told reporters that he will undergo Tommy John Surgery. He also said that the official return of Blanco will be in the 2026 MLB season.
Tommy John surgery is a big elbow surgery that requires extensive recovery periods. Teams tend to give players around 14 months to return from this type of surgery. If that’s the case, then Blanco will not be available until after the 2026 all-star game.
The 31-year-old had not pitched since May 17 due to his arm issue. However, in the 9 starts he got this year, he amassed a 4.10 ERA (97 ERA+) and a 2.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also had a great 2024 season and got a 2.80 ERA (144 ERA+) and a 2.44 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 167 innings. He put himself on the national map in just his first outing of the season.
The Houston Astros have had to deal with a long list of injured pitchers. Currently, the team is playing without fellow starters Spencer Arrighetti (fractured thumb), J.P. France (shoulder capsule), and three others recovering from Tommy John surgery: Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and Hayden Wesneski. Javiar is nearing one year since his operation. When talking about Garcia, he has not made an appearance since May 2023.
Lance McCullers Jr. recently joined the squad after a long absence due to injury.
