Tampa, FL – The Houston Astros have announced the inclusion of Dominican pitcher Ronel Blanco on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. The news was confirmed this Thursday, generating concern within the team.
Faced with this situation, the team has called up left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon from the minor leagues to reinforce the pitching staff.
Blanco reported discomfort in his elbow last Monday, which led to his immediate transfer to Houston for evaluation. Manager Joe Espada expressed his concern about this situation.
Pain in the elbow. That’s always a cause for concern.
Joe Espada
The Santiago de los Caballeros pitcher was scheduled to open Sunday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, a commitment that now has no assigned pitcher. The team’s rotation, for the moment, will be headed by Lance McCullers Jr., Ryan Gusto, and Framber Valdez for the first three games of the series.
Ronel Blanco has been a key piece in Houston’s rotation this season, with an ERA of 4.10 in nine starts and 48.1 innings pitched. In his last outing, he allowed three earned runs in six innings against the Rangers.
This injury adds to a series of setbacks that have affected the Astros’ pitching staff, including Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, J.P. France, and Spencer Arrighetti, who have been sidelined for various reasons. In addition, Hayden Wesneski will undergo Tommy John surgery.
The addition of Colton Gordon represents an opportunity for the left-hander, who has shown good performance in the minor leagues. The team will continue to monitor Blanco’s condition to determine the severity of the injury and his recovery time.
