Overview

• Blanco reported elbow soreness last week and underwent an MRI that showed inflammation, prompting a season-ending procedure scheduled for next week.
• The 31-year-old right-hander will miss the remainder of 2025 and is unlikely to return before late in 2026.
• He becomes the second Astros starter lost to elbow surgery this month after Hayden Wesneski underwent Tommy John surgery last Friday.
• Houston’s rotation has already been without Cristian Javier and José Urquidy (Tommy John), J.P. France (shoulder surgery) and Spencer Arrighetti (thumb fracture) this season.
• General manager Dana Brown has acknowledged the limited experienced depth and plans to pursue veteran arms before the July trade deadline.