Astros’ Jose Urquidy to seek 2nd opinion for right forearm, could lead to Tommy John, ESPN reports

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy’s 2024 season might end before it begins, according to ESPN’s report on Monday.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Alden Gonzalez reported that Urquidy, who last pitched in Game 4 of the 2023 American League Championship Series, will seek a second opinion from Dallas sports medicine specialist Dr. Keith Meister for a right forearm strain. Sources suggest that the 29-year-old Mexican right-hander could be facing Tommy John surgery.

The expectation, according to sources, is that Dr. Meister will recommend the surgery, which Urquidy previously underwent in 2017. Recovery from ulnar collateral ligament replacement typically takes starting pitchers about 14 to 16 months.

General manager Dana Brown addressed the report on Monday, stating, “That’s not the information we have right now. And so that’s why we’re getting a second opinion. So, we’ll know more in a couple of days.”

Urquidy had been preparing for a return, starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land but leaving early in a May 25 start. He is not the only starting pitcher dealing with a forearm issue; right-hander Cristian Javier was placed on the injured list for the second time in 2024 after missing a scheduled bullpen session on Sunday.

In more promising news, the Houston Chronicle reported that Luis Garcia, recovering from Tommy John surgery, threw 20 pitches to live batters in a simulated inning on Friday and is on track for a rehab assignment and possible return to the team.

The current starting rotation includes Justin Verlander, Spencer Arrighetti, Ronel Blanco, Framber Valdez, and Hunter Brown.