Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros recently underwent significant arm surgery, which involved repairing both his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and a flexor tendon. This internal brace technique aims to reinforce the UCL, potentially leading to faster recovery compared to conventional Tommy John surgery, which typically demands a 12-14 month hiatus. Blanco's elbow discomfort surfaced after a May 17 appearance against the Texas Rangers, prompting an MRI that revealed inflammation.

While there’s no specified recovery timeline from the Astros, it’s confirmed that Blanco will miss the remainder of the season. The 31-year-old had shown promise in 2024, recording a 2.80 ERA over 167.1 innings, but struggled in the early part of this season with a 4.10 ERA across his first nine starts. This surgery adds to the Astros' pitching woes, as they have already lost teammate Hayden Wesneski to a similar injury.

Zach Dezenzo, an exciting rookie for the Houston Astros, has been diagnosed with a "capsule sprain" in his left hand, which will keep him out of action for at least two weeks. Dezenzo felt discomfort during a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, leading to his exit after two at-bats and subsequent placement on the injured list. With a .245 batting average this season, Dezenzo has been a reliable option in both corner outfield positions for the Astros, making this injury a significant setback for the team.

In addition to Dezenzo's injury, the Astros will be without starter Ronel Blanco, who is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Blanco's absence will be felt in the Astros' pitching rotation, adding pressure on the remaining starters to step up in his absence.

The Houston Astros are bracing for a tough 2025 season following the announcement that right-handed starter Ronel Blanco will undergo Tommy John surgery next week. This painful reality comes after Blanco's promising start to the 2024 season, where he achieved a remarkable 2.80 ERA and threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. With a timeline suggesting a 14-month recovery period, fans should not expect to see him back on the mound until after the 2026 All-Star Game. Blanco isn't the only key pitcher the Astros are missing; the team is currently navigating injuries to fellow starters Spencer Arrighetti and J.P. France, along with others recovering from Tommy John surgery. Manager Joe Espada will have to rely on rookies Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon as the Astros sit at a 29-25 record, just 1.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners in the American League West.

The Houston Astros' starting pitcher Ronel Blanco will undergo surgery on his right elbow and miss the remainder of the 2025 season. The specific type of surgery, whether Tommy John or another procedure, has not been announced. Last season, Blanco shone with a 2.80 ERA and a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, but in 2025, he struggled with a 4.10 ERA over nine starts before experiencing elbow soreness. Despite showing promise in mid-May with a strong outing against the Cincinnati Reds, his recent performances led to a re-evaluation and ultimately the decision to end his season.

The Houston Astros are grappling with injuries to key pitchers, as revealed by manager Joe Espada. Pitching prospect Hayden Wesneski is set to miss the entirety of the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, significantly impacting the organization's future pitching depth.

Moreover, veteran starter Ronel Blanco is headed to the injured list due to elbow soreness, with a second opinion scheduled for next week. This injury comes after Blanco's impressive 2024 season, where he won 13 games with a low ERA of 2.80. In 2025, however, his performance has dipped, and with his age and the potential for serious surgery, the Astros face tough decisions regarding their rotation.