TAMPA -- The Astros have sent starting pitcher Ronel Blanco back to Houston after the right-hander said he was experiencing some right elbow soreness.
Blanco informed the club of his sore elbow on Monday and flew back to Houston on Tuesday. He will be examined by team doctors on Wednesday.
When asked for his level of concern regarding Blanco’s health, manager Joe Espada was blunt: “Elbow soreness. That’s always a concern.”
Blanco had been in line to start Sunday’s series finale against the Mariners in Houston. The team’s starting pitcher that day is now to be determined. Lance McCullers Jr., Ryan Gusto and Framber Valdez are slated to start each of the first three games.
Blanco has made nine starts this season and has a 4.10 ERA over 48 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, Blanco took the loss against the Rangers on Saturday. He gave up three earned runs over six innings in a 5-1 defeat.
If Blanco requires a stint on the injured list, it would be another hit to a starting rotation that is missing multiple arms right now due to injury. Hayden Wesneski is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. Luis Garcia had TJ surgery in 2023 and has had some setbacks, including one this spring. Cristian Javier underwent Tommy John surgery last June and is rehabbing. J.P. France underwent surgery last July to repair a torn right shoulder capsule, and Spencer Arrighetti broke his right thumb April 7 when he was hit by a ball during batting practice. He remains without a timetable for a return.
The Astros started left-handers Colton Gordon and Brandon Walter in each of the first two games of their current three-game series against the Rays, and both pitched effectively. Either southpaw could be an option to replace Blanco if he is sidelined.