
Luis Garcia's rehab hit another bump in the road. Composite image by Jack Brame.
This week started on a high note for Astros fans as they were able to see Lance McCullers return and pitch in a game for the first time since 2022. McCullers looked good, only needing 13 pitches to get through the inning, and didn't allow any runs.
If McCullers continues on this path without any setbacks, we wouldn't be surprised if he's pitching for the big league club at the end of April or early May.
However, the outlook isn't nearly as positive for Luis Garcia, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Garcia was expected to throw a live BP on Thursday, but those plans have now changed. According to multiple reports, Garcia is dealing with elbow soreness and will now see team doctors for further evaluation.
Luis Garcia faced hitters in October and, almost all winter, was considered ahead of Lance McCullers Jr. in their rehab schedules. It's unclear how things have derailed. The Astros reiterated this week they will not make any member of their medical staff available for interviews https://t.co/rrBg6EaG7j
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 20, 2025
This isn't the first time Garcia has dealt with a setback in his recovery. As Chandler Rome mentions in the post above, Garcia was expected to be ready to return before McCullers. However, complications have apparently forced the Astros to slow down Garcia's rehab, making his status for this season even more uncertain.
Fortunately for Houston, they weren't counting on Garcia or McCullers to start the season in the rotation. But, they were hoping to have both return at some point this year to add more depth to the roster.
If Garcia is shut down from throwing for several weeks, even in a best-case scenario, it's hard to imagine he'll be ready to contribute over the next three months. The Astros would be wise to play it safe with Garcia, the last thing they want to happen is for him to need another surgery.
This also serves as a reminder that pitchers often require more than the typical 12–18 months to recover. Which is why counting on Cristian Javier to contribute this season, feels like a big ask for a player that had Tommy John surgery in June.
Jabari Smith agreed to a new contract with Houston. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
Power forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with Houston, according to a report from ESPN.
JABARI SMITH JR. GOT PAID 💰
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/g28YXK1i8t
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 30, 2025
The deal is reportedly fully guaranteed and would keep Smith in a Rockets uniform through the 2030–31 season.
Smith, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 12.2 points and seven rebounds last season, starting 39 of the 57 games he played. While injuries and inconsistency limited his minutes at times, the 21-year-old showed flashes of the two-way potential that made him a top lottery pick, and someone the Rockets clearly see as part of their long-term foundation.
The move signals continued trust in the franchise’s young core and a commitment to internal development as Houston builds toward sustained playoff contention.
___________________________
*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!