Astros Place Ronel Blanco on Injured List

Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow and will seek a second medical opinion next week. Blanco had reported elbow soreness earlier and was sent back to Houston for evaluation, adding to the team's rotation concerns. The Astros' starting pitching depth continues to be tested, with other injured starters including Spencer Arrighetti, Hayden Wesneski, Luis Garcia, and Cristian Javier. Wesneski is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, further straining the rotation. Blanco, who has a 3-4 record and a 4.10 ERA over nine starts this season, will be replaced on the roster by left-hander Colton Gordon, recalled from Triple-A. The Astros await further updates on Blanco's condition as they adapt to ongoing pitching shortages.