The Houston Astros have been as unlucky as any team this season. Their injuries have piled up throughout the year and continue to do so in the final month before the postseason.
So far this year, big contributors Isaac Paredes, Yordan Alvarez, Cristian Javier and Ronel Blanco have spent time on the 60-day injured list.
Not to mention star closer Josh Hader, who will miss the remainder of the regular season, though he has a chance to return for the postseason.
Last week, Spencer Arrighetti went back on the injured list after making only seven starts this season.
On Tuesday, the Astros took another hit. In just his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery in 2023, Luis Garcia exited after 1 2/3 innings with elbow discomfort.
As if they hadn’t already dealt with an excessive number of injuries, this setback comes at the worst possible time for Houston.
They currently lead the Seattle Mariners by one game in the AL West, with Seattle in the midst of a four-game win streak.
If the Astros give up first place, they could find themselves out of the playoff picture entirely. Falling behind Seattle would push the Astros into the final wild-card spot.
This is a heavily contested position with the Rangers 1 1/2 games back on a three-game win streak and the Guardians 2 1/2 games back on a five game win streak.
Given the team's physical condition, if the Astros lose ground, injuries to so many starters may make it impossible to recover.