Ronel Blanco of the Astros to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow next week, which will prevent him from playing the rest of the 2025 season, manager Joe Espada announced on Wednesday.
Blanco, who was placed on the injured list last week due to elbow inflammation, sought a second medical opinion. His last appearance on the mound was May 17.
The Astros announced that Blanco, 31, is expected to return to action sometime in the 2026 season. This season, Blanco has a 3-4 record with a 4.10 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and 20 walks in nine starts.I know how much he has worked to get to this point and it is very unfortunate. The goal now is for him to recover and return sometime next season.
Joe Espada
Espada pointed out that this is a difficult moment for the Astros, who already have a long list of starting pitchers on the injured list. Hayden Wesneski also underwent Tommy John surgery that will prevent him from playing the rest of the season, while Spencer Arrighetti has been out of action since April due to a fracture in his right thumb suffered during a batting practice.
Houston is also without Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier, both recovering from Tommy John surgeries.It’s very, very difficult. We lived it last year. But as a team and as the leader of this team, I have to keep these guys focused on the objective… and this news means we have to support each other and find someone else. Someone will emerge and step up to cover these innings.
Joe Espada
Blanco is in his fourth season in the Major Leagues, all with the Astros. In 2024, he had a 13-6 record with a 2.80 ERA in 30 games (29 starts). He pitched his only complete game of his career in his season debut on April 1, not allowing any hits to the Toronto Blue Jays in a 10-0 victory.
