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.