Astros' Luis Garcia Undergoes Second Tommy John Surgery, Expected to Miss 2026 Season

Houston Astros right-hander Luis Garcia underwent his second Tommy John surgery in October 2025, which included reconstruction of his ulnar collateral ligament and repair of his flexor tendon, effectively ruling him out for the entire 2026 season. Garcia had been plagued by elbow injuries since his first Tommy John surgery in May 2023, which caused him to miss most of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and despite a brief return in September 2025, he was forced to leave his second start early due to elbow discomfort. Over his MLB career, Garcia showed promise as a reliable starter, posting solid numbers and contributing to the Astros' rotation before injuries derailed his trajectory. The Astros now face the challenge of maintaining their pitching rotation without Garcia, who is in the final year of team control and is likely to be non-tendered this offseason, though a two-year deal remains a possibility to support his rehab. This surgery adds to a troubling trend for Houston pitchers, with several undergoing Tommy John procedures in 2025, highlighting ongoing durability concerns for the team's pitching staff. The Astros hope to rebuild their rotation health in 2026, but Garcia’s absence represents a significant setback for the club's pitching depth and future plans.