Luis Garcia Joins Growing List of Injured Astros Starters

The Houston Astros have been hit with yet another injury setback as starter Luis Garcia was forced to exit Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with a sprained knee. Garcia’s injury adds to the growing list of injured starting pitchers for the Astros, who are currently dealing with the absences of Justin Verlander, Jake Odorizzi, and Framber Valdez, among others.

The Injury Details

Garcia suffered the injury while making a defensive play in the second inning of Sunday’s game. He attempted to field a bunt hit by Blue Jays outfielder Cavan Biggio, but stumbled awkwardly upon landing and fell to the ground. Garcia was seen holding onto his left knee and was eventually helped off the field by the Astros training staff.

It was later announced that Garcia had suffered a sprain to his left knee, and the team is unsure of a timetable for his return.

The Growing List of Injured Starters

Garcia’s injury is the latest in a series of injury setbacks for the Astros starting rotation. Justin Verlander, the team’s ace, has been out since last year’s playoffs following Tommy John surgery and is expected to be out for most of this season. Jake Odorizzi, who was signed to a two-year deal in the offseason, has been on the injured list with a forearm strain since late April and is also without a timetable for his return.

Framber Valdez, who emerged as a key starter for the Astros last season, suffered a fractured finger during spring training and is expected to be out until at least late June. In addition, the team has also been without starter Jose Urquidy, who has been on the injured list with a shoulder injury since late May.

What This Means for the Astros

The Astros have been forced to rely on a patchwork rotation in the wake of their injuries, with the likes of Cristian Javier, Zack Greinke, and Brandon Bielak being asked to step up and fill the void. While the team has managed to stay afloat despite the setbacks, their pitching depth is being severely tested, and it remains to be seen how much longer they can continue to weather the storm.

Summary:
Luis Garcia is the latest addition to the growing list of injured Houston Astros starters as he suffered a sprained knee in Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The team is already dealing with the absences of Justin Verlander, Jake Odorizzi, Framber Valdez, and Jose Urquidy, among others. The team’s pitching depth is being severely tested, and it remains to be seen how much longer they can continue to weather the storm.

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