The Houston Astros’ depth continues to be tested as their injured list expands, becoming one of the most crowded in Major League Baseball. The latest significant addition is starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., who makes his third trip to the IL this season.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the Astros’ current injured list, with key updates:
Pitchers
– Lance McCullers Jr. (RHP): Placed on the 15-day IL on July 22nd (retroactive to July 20th) with a right finger blister. This is his third IL stint this season, adding to a challenging return from his previous flexor tendon repair surgery. His ERA stands at a career-worst 6.90 through 11 starts. Expected Return: TBA (likely a few weeks)
– J.P. France (RHP): Torn right shoulder capsule. On 60-day IL since March 27th. Threw in a rehab game on July 21st. Expected Return: Late 2025
– Luis Garcia (RHP): Recovering from Tommy John surgery. On 60-day IL since March 27th. Threw two scoreless innings in his first rehab outing on July 20th. Expected Return: Late July or early August
– Spencer Arrighetti (RHP): Broken right thumb. On 60-day IL since April 8th. Threw three scoreless innings in his first rehab start on July 19th. Expected Return: August
– Cristian Javier (RHP): Recovering from Tommy John surgery. On 60-day IL since March 27th. Threw three innings in his first rehab outing on July 18th. Expected Return: August
– Shawn Dubin (RHP): Right forearm strain. On 15-day IL since June 24th. Transitioned rehab to Florida and is throwing off flat ground. Expected Return: TBD
– Ronel Blanco (RHP): Elbow injury. Out for the season.
– Jose Hicks (RHP): Undisclosed. Expected to be out until at least July 22 (his status needs to be re-evaluated as of today).
– Garrett Otto (RHP): Shoulder injury. Expected to be out until at least July 22 (his status needs to be re-evaluated as of today).
Position Players
– Isaac Paredes (3B): Right hamstring strain. On 10-day IL since July 20th. Manager Joe Espada has indicated it’s a “pretty significant” injury and will sideline him for an extended stretch. Expected Return: TBA (multiple weeks/longer)
– Yordan Alvarez (LF/DH): Right hand fracture. On 60-day IL since May 5th. Resumed hitting off a tee on July 17th and soft toss on July 21st. Still a slow progression. Expected Return: TBD
– Jeremy Peña (SS): Rib fracture. On 10-day IL since July 1st. Taking BP on the field and ground balls. Next step is live batting practice. Expected Return: Late July
– Brendan Rodgers (2B): Left oblique strain. On 60-day IL since June 18th. Suffered a concussion and nasal fracture in a rehab assignment collision on July 19th. Expected Return: TBA (at least mid-August for concussion/nasal fracture)
– Jake Meyers (CF): Right calf strain. On 10-day IL since July 11th. Rehabbing in Houston. Expected Return: August
– Zach Dezenzo (OF/INF): Left hand inflammation. On 60-day IL since June 1st. Making progress but not yet swinging a bat. Expected Return: TBD
– Jacob Melton (OF): Right ankle sprain. On 10-day IL since June 14th. Transitioned rehab to Florida. Expected Return: TBD
– Luis Guillorme (IF): Right hamstring strain. On 10-day IL since July 2nd. Transitioned rehab to Florida. Expected Return: TBD
This extensive list underscores the resilience of the Astros, who are currently maintaining their lead in the AL West despite arguably leading MLB in injured players. The return of key players from rehab assignments in the coming weeks will be crucial as they push toward the postseason.