Astros Activate Luis Garcia After Two-Year Absence for Angels Start

Houston Astros right-hander Luis Garcia is set to make his return to the major leagues after more than two years, starting the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels. Garcia, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, faced multiple setbacks including recurring elbow soreness and inflammation that delayed his rehab and kept him out for the entire 2024 season and much of 2025. After resuming minor league rehab in July 2025 and making nine appearances with Triple-A Sugar Land, Garcia showed promising performance with a 2.60 ERA over 17 1/3 innings. The Astros, currently atop the AL West but struggling since the trade deadline, will benefit from Garcia's return as they seek to stabilize their rotation for the stretch run and playoffs. Manager Joe Espada confirmed Garcia's activation from the 60-day injured list, with roster moves planned to accommodate his return as the active roster expands in September. Garcia had been a key rotation piece before his injury, posting a 3.53 ERA and 364 strikeouts over 352 innings in 69 starts from 2020 through early 2023.