More bad news for the Astros rotation. Composite Getty Image.
The Houston Astros’ battered starting rotation suffered another blow this week as right-hander Ronel Blanco was sent back to Houston to be evaluated by team doctors after experiencing elbow soreness.
Ronel Blanco has elbow soreness and was sent back to Houston to be seen by team doctors.
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) May 21, 2025
Blanco, who has been one of the bright spots in a rotation ravaged by injuries, now becomes the latest name on a growing list of sidelined Astros arms. His departure comes at a time when the club can least afford it, with the rotation already operating under extreme strain.
The Astros have already lost Hayden Wesneski for the season after the young righty was diagnosed with a torn UCL and will undergo Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier are each still working their way back from Tommy John procedures of their own.
In addition, JP France is still recovering from shoulder surgery, and Spencer Arrighetti is on the shelf with a broken thumb.
The team has leaned heavily on minor-league reinforcements and bullpen arms to patch together innings, but with Blanco now dealing with arm discomfort, those emergency options are thinning fast.
The severity of his elbow soreness is not yet known, but the decision to send him home for evaluation signals real concern.
With so many starters either injured or rehabbing, Houston’s pitching depth is being tested early. For a team built around elite run prevention, the health of the rotation may ultimately define their season.
*ChatGPT assisted.
___________________________
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!
Taylor Walls hit a game-ending sacrifice fly and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Tuesday night.
The Rays trailed 2-0 until Jonathan Aranda's two-run single in the eighth inning tied the score.
Christian Morel then led off the ninth with a walk against Kaleb Ort (1-1) and advanced to third on pinch-hitter Brandon Lowe's double to left-center. After Josh Lowe popped out, Walls hit a fly ball to drive in Morel to give the Rays their 12th win in 30 games at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home this season.
Manuel Rodriguez (1-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to get the win.
Astros left-hander Brandon Walter, making his first major league start, pitched five strong innings in his Houston debut.
Jake keeps raking!!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/pEZCtLHHjQ
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 20, 2025
Jake Meyers hit an RBI double in the second for the Astros, and Isaac Paredes had a solo homer in the third against his former team to make it 2-0.
Paredes with a solo shot!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/POW8Pj6wgZ
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 20, 2025
Rays starter Zach Littell allowed two runs and seven hits in five innings. He struck out six.
Key moment
With the Rays trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the eighth, with one out and runners on first and second, Kameron Misner and Jose Caballero pulled off a double steal to set up Aranda's tying single to right field.
Key stat
Starting for the first time after making nine relief appearances for Bostohn in 2023, Walter gave up three hits and struck out five.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (6–2, 1.43 ERA) goes against Rays RHP Taj Bradley (3–3, 4.80 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
