Garcia makes 5th rehab start in latest step toward return from Tommy John

SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Luis Garcia toed the rubber Friday at Constellation Field for his closest start to Daikin Park in over two years. Matching up against AL West foe Bryce Miller of the Mariners, the Astros’ starting pitcher completed his fifth rehab appearance, striking out two batters across 2 2/3 innings at Triple-A.

“My arm is feeling healthy,” Garcia said. “I’m just trying to basically [put] more miles on my arm, so I can be confident in what I can do.”

The righty generated five swings-and-misses, topping out at 92.7 mph on his four-seam fastball. With a pitch limit of 50, Garcia threw 28 of his 49 pitches for strikes and relied heavily on his cutter. Garcia also surrendered a season-high three runs on three hits and two walks, with No. 49 overall prospect Harry Ford tagging a third-inning home run off the 28-year-old.

“I’m feeling a little weird, though,” Garcia said of his delivery. “I think I’m not moving quite as explosively as I was in the past. But I’m just trying to figure it out and everything will be better with time.”

Garcia has fanned 14 total batters across 11 frames between four levels since starting his 30-day rehab assignment July 7. Garcia hit the injured list in 2023 with right elbow soreness, resulting in Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for most of the past two years.

“I don’t know yet,” said Garcia of his next rehab start. “I just keep doing my rehab starts, and hopefully, I’ll be back soon and just when I feel healthy.”