Seattle Mariners' Biggest Rival Suffers Another Devastating Injury Blow

The Houston Astros are in position to win the American League West, which is rather amazing given what's transpired for them this season.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) works out prior to the game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on in 2024.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) works out prior to the game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on in 2024. / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
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Entering play on Monday night, the Seattle Mariners are 4.0 games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West. The Astros, who have been besieged by injuries, are looking to advance to the ALCS or greater for the eighth straight year.

Though Mariners fans don't want to admit it, it's rather amazing what the Astros have been able to accomplish this year. They have played long stretches (and continue to) without Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander. Furthermore, they've lost Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, JP France from their pitching depth. Garcia is now out for the rest of the season and won't be an option as the 'Stros try to close out the division.

Per Astros reporter Chandler Rome of 'The Athletic:'

Luis Garcia will not pitch for the Astros this season, Joe Espada said. Garcia will resume playing catch this weekend, but that is targeted toward getting him ready for 2025.

The 27-year-old from Venezuela would have been a big part of the Astros plans if he had been able to come back, but he evidently is not ready after having Tommy John surgery a year ago.

Lifetime, he's 28-19 with a 3.61 ERA. He also shut the Mariners down in relief for a large stretch of the 2022 ALDS Game 3 that went 18-innings and saw the Astros win 1-0.

The Mariners will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night with first pitch at 7:10 p.m. PT. The Astros are hosting the Boston Red Sox at 5:10 p.m. PT.

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Brady Farkas

BRADY FARKAS