Astros’ Ronel Blanco Out After Tommy John Surgery

Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, sidelining him for the rest of the 2025 MLB season and likely into 2026. Blanco posted a 4.10 ERA with 48 strikeouts in nine starts this year before being shut down. His injury adds to a long list of Astros pitchers on the injured list, including Hayden Wesneski, Spencer Arrighetti, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and J.P. France. Rookies Colton Gordon and Ryan Gusto are expected to step into the rotation, while Houston may seek additional pitching help before the trade deadline. Team officials remain cautiously optimistic about some injured starters returning midseason, but setbacks and lengthy recoveries complicate the outlook. Despite these injuries, the Astros remain competitive in the AL West, trailing the Seattle Mariners.