Astros Urged to Pause Ronel Blanco's Pitching Amid Velocity Concerns

The Houston Astros are under scrutiny regarding the management of pitcher Ronel Blanco, who has shown troubling signs of decreased velocity during his recent outings. This situation echoes the previous season's mismanagement of Luis Garcia, who ultimately required a second Tommy John surgery after being allowed to pitch despite significant velocity drops.

Blanco, who started his career as a reliever with the Astros, averaged 95.2 MPH on his fastball in 2022. However, his velocity has steadily declined since being moved to the starting rotation, now averaging around 93.4 MPH. In a recent game, he struggled significantly, allowing 10 runs in just over two innings, with his velocity noticeably dropping as the game progressed.

The Astros' management is urged to take a proactive approach with Blanco's health. Observers note that his drop in velocity—over 2 MPH within 80 pitches—indicates he may not be fully recovered. Experts recommend that the team conduct further tests to assess his elbow and overall physical condition.

The risk of exacerbating an existing injury is a serious concern, especially for a player nearing 33 years of age. The Astros must prioritize Blanco's long-term health over immediate pitching needs, as the team's starting rotation currently ranks among the lowest in ERA in the league. Taking the necessary time to ensure Blanco's recovery could prevent a more severe injury down the line.