Astros face setback as Spencer Arrighetti’s elbow injury clouds his return
The Houston Astros seemed poised for a boost as several players returned from the injured list, but just as optimism surged, they were dealt another blow. After welcoming back key contributors like Yordan Alvarez, Lance McCullers Jr., and Luis Garcia, the team now faces uncertainty surrounding starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.
Injury Woes Resurface for Arrighetti
Arrighetti, 25, had recently returned to action after recovering from a fractured thumb sustained in early August. However, during a bullpen session on Wednesday, he experienced discomfort that led to the discovery of elbow inflammation. This setback raises concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada addressed the situation, stating, “It will be tough for him to get back” for the regular season. The team is currently awaiting MRI results to get a clearer picture of Arrighetti’s condition. As Astros writer Chandler Rome noted, the outlook is grim, with the team bracing for the possibility that Arrighetti may not return this year.
Arrighetti’s Recent Performance
Before this latest injury, Arrighetti had begun to regain his form. In his most recent start on August 30, he pitched 6.1 innings against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing just one hit and one earned run while striking out eight batters. He had also reached a season-high pitch count of 100 in that outing, a clear indication that he was finding his rhythm again after a lengthy absence.
The Astros had hoped that Arrighetti’s return would bolster their rotation as they push toward the postseason. Now, with his health in question, the team must reassess its strategy moving forward.
Awaiting MRI Results
The timeline for Arrighetti’s recovery remains uncertain. The Astros will provide more information once the MRI results are in, but the initial assessments suggest a challenging road ahead. As the team navigates this latest injury crisis, they will need to lean on their depth and resilience to keep their playoff ambitions alive.
