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Astros face pressure to shut down Ronel Blanco for recovery

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 7:03 PM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Astros face pressure to shut down Ronel Blanco for recovery

Summary

The Houston Astros are urged to consider shutting down pitcher Ronel Blanco after his recent performance. In a game against the Las Vegas team, Blanco pitched just 2.1 innings, allowing 10 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 home runs, while showing a drop in fastball velocity from 94.5 mph in past seasons to 92.1 mph. Concerns are raised about his health, paralleling the previous issues faced by pitcher Luis Garcia last season, which resulted in another surgery. The Astros need to act to prevent further injury to Blanco's elbow and ensure a proper evaluation of his condition.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Blanco allowed 10 runs in 2.1 innings during his last appearance.
•His average fastball velocity dropped to 92.1 mph.
•Concerns mirror previous health issues with pitcher Luis Garcia.
•Astros management is facing scrutiny over pitching rehabilitation protocols.
•Blanco is approaching his 33rd birthday on August 31.

Latest Updates

7:03 PMYahoo Sports — Astros Need to Shut Down Ronel Blanco. Right Now.

What they're saying

"
It feels like we have seen this movie before. Last season, in fact. It was last season when Luis Garcia was attempting to return from Tommy John surgery. The Astros were banking on his return so much they didn’t bother to reinforce the pitching staff, something now-former Astros GM Dana Brown would express regret over. […]
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Houston Astros Los Angeles Angels MLB Baseball