Injury Bug Bites Astros Again as Blanco Exits with Elbow Soreness

The Houston Astros' situation worsened this week when starting pitcher Ronel Blanco was put on the Injured List with soreness in his arm, the team said Wednesday. Manager Joe Espada said the team is waiting for a second medical opinion to get a better idea of the severity of the injury, even though the first scans showed "inflammation of the elbow."

Blanco's setback is the latest injury to hurt the rotation. Spencer Arrighetti broke his hand, and Hayden Wesneski hurt his arm and had to have Tommy John surgery to end the season. There are now three pitchers who were supposed to start the season but can't because Blanco is hurt.

Colton Gordon, a left-handed pitcher, was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land to help fill the void. He will join a highly changed rotation that includes Hunter Brown, Lance McCullers Jr., Ryan Gusto, Framber Valdez, and a group of prospects like Brandon Walter and A.J. Blubaugh.

When Houston played on Tuesday, Walter was the 10th different starter this season. This shows how unstable things are because of all the injuries.

Even though things are tough, Valdez and Brown are still at the top of the rotation, and the team is relying on its farm system to help out.

Espada said, "We just need to learn more about Blanco." "We'll have a better idea once we get that second opinion."

The Astros will have to rely on a mix of veterans and up-and-coming players to get them through the summer, but their pitching strength will be tested as they try to stay competitive in the AL West.