MLB
How serious is the injury of the Houston Astros Mexican José Urquidy?
The right-handed pitcher of the Houston MLB franchise will undergo his second elbow surgery and will not return until mid-2025.
The team’s rotation has taken a devastating double blow in a fateful week for the Houston Astros. Just one day after it became public that pitcher Cristian Javier would need to undergo Tommy John surgery, the general manager of the Texan lineup, Dana Brown, announced that Mexican José Urquidy would also require an operation to repair his throwing elbow. Although the specific procedure will be determined after a medical examination, Urquidy will likely face a Tommy John, which would keep him out for the remainder of the season and part of 2025.
José Urquidy, a native of Mazatlán, began the season on the injured list after suffering pain during Spring Training. In rehabilitation, when the Astros visited Mexico City to face the Rockies, the Mexican right-hander said he was making progress. Still, he suffered a tissue rupture again a few days ago during a minor league outing.
In the Mexico City Series at the Alfredo Harp Helú stadium, Urquidy took time to talk about the increasing injuries that pitchers are suffering and maintained that much of the responsibility is due to the pitch clock that rushes men on the mound and doesn't let his arm get enough rest between pitches.
Urquidy already underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017, and facing another similar procedure now carries additional risks.
The situation is aggravated by the Astros’ already significant pitching losses. Luis García had a Tommy John in May, and Lance McCullers Jr. had flexor surgery in June. Houston’s once-feared rotation now appears weakened and vulnerable.
Astros rotation in trouble
- RHP Justin Verlander
- LZ Framber Valdez
- RHP Cristian Javier (out with elbow surgery)
- RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rehabbing from flexor surgery)
- RHP José Urquidy (out with elbow surgery)
- RHP Luis García (out with Tommy John surgery)
- RHP Ronel Blanco
- LH Hunter Brown
- RHP JP France (on Triple-A disabled list with shoulder issues)
- RHP Spencer Arrighetti
Verlander began the season on the disabled list with a shoulder issue, and Valdez missed a few weeks due to an elbow injury earlier in the year. Since last season, the Astros rotation has been constantly hit by injuries, reflected in a 4.73 ERA, the fifth worst in baseball. Houston’s starters are last with 1.9 WAR.
A Difficult Road Ahead for Houston
Despite these challenges, the Astros maintain a 28-34 record and a recent positive streak of 15-10 in their last 25 games, offering a ray of hope. General manager Dana Brown has confirmed that the team will be a trade deadline buyer, prioritizing the acquisition of a starting pitcher. This is even with the possible return of García and McCullers at the end of summer.