LUIS GARCIA NEWS

Strikes out seven Garcia allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out seven across five innings Wednesday against the Athletics. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact Garcia was taken yard by Matt Olson in the first inning, though he was nearly perfect after that. The only other hit he surrendered came in his final frame, a double off the bat of Chad Pinder. Aside from that damage, Garcia racked up 17 swinging strikes on 88 total pitches. The only thing missing from the effort was a win, though the right-hander exited the game with a 3-1 lead that was quickly blown by the bullpen. For the season, Garcia has a 3.06 ERA with 97 strikeouts across 85.1 frames.

JULY 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Jumped on early in loss Garcia (6-5) allowed four runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five over four innings as he was tagged with the loss Wednesday against the Orioles.

Impact Garcia struggled off the bat after he walked three guys and allowed two hits in the first, which amounted to all four runs he surrendered. The 24-year-old was able to settle in thereafter, allowing just a base hit over the other three innings he pitched. His four earned runs were the most he's let up all year and Wednesday was the first time he's walked over two batters since April 20. Garcia has still been impressive for a majority of the season and now owns a 3.14 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 90:27 K:BB over 80.1 innings. He lines up for a meeting against the Athletics at the beginning of next week.

JULY 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Solid in win Garcia (6-4) earned the win Thursday after holding the Tigers to two runs on seven hits and a pair of walks while striking out five across seven innings.

Impact Doubles proved to be the enemy this time, allowing each of Garcia's runs to score. The right-hander gave up an RBI double to Akil Baddoo in the third frame and an RBI double to Daz Cameron in the sixth in an otherwise strong performance. Garcia has now allowed two or fewer runs in six of his last seven starts, lowering his ERA to 2.83 and his WHIP to 1.10 across 76.1 innings. The 24-year-old is projected to take the mound again at home Wednesday against Baltimore.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Tosses seven strong innings Garcia allowed a run on seven hits and two walks over seven innings in Friday's win over the White Sox. He struck out eight and did not factor in the decision.

Impact The only run to score on Garcia came on a first-inning single by Jose Abreu. He held the White Sox off the board the rest of the evening but had to escape multiple threats throughout the contest. The 24-year-old righty has now allowed two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts, bringing his season ERA down to 2.82 through 70.1 innings. Garcia is projected to face the Tigers in Detroit next week.

JUNE 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in loss Garcia (5-4) allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out four across 4.1 innings, taking the loss to the Twins on Saturday.

Impact Garcia surrendered a two-run home run to Jorge Polanco as a part of a three-run fifth inning. His five-start winning streak came to an end Saturday after he failed to make it through the fifth inning. The 24-year-old still has a strong 2.98 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP with 72 strikeouts in 63.1 innings. He will look to get back on track in his next start, which will likely come next weekend against the White Sox.

JUNE 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Locked in for Saturday's start Garcia (illness) is slated to start Saturday's game against the Twins, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Impact After Garcia's last start Sunday against the Blue Jays, manager Dusty Baker acknowledged that the right-hander was battling an illness during the outing, but there was never any real concern about his ability to make his next through the rotation. Even while pitching at less than 100 percent, Garcia continued to impress versus a talented lineup, limiting the Blue Jays to one run over six innings en route to capturing his fifth win in as many starts. He'll be seeking a fourth straight quality start when he returns to the mound Saturday.

JUNE 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Wins fifth straight, despite illness Garcia improved to 5-3 in Sunday's 6-3 win over Toronto after giving up one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out eight over six innings. Manager Dusty Baker sa...

Impact Though he apparently wasn't 100 percent healthy during the start, Garcia didn't show any signs of being under the weather based on his performance. He continued a remarkable run of good pitching, yielding his only run on a sacrifice fly while tying his season-high total in strikeouts en route to winning his fifth straight decision. Garcia's pitch count was only at 79 through six frames, but Baker elected not to take any chances with the young right-hander by letting him work deeper into the contest while he was ill. The ailment likely won't be anything that prevents Garcia from making his next turn through the rotation, which is set to come next weekend in Minnesota.

JUNE 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Superb in fourth win Garcia (4-3) earned the win over Boston on Tuesday, allowing one run one five hits and one walk while striking out six over seven innings.

Impact Garcia kept Boston's bats mostly at bay, allowing only one extra-base hit and one run over seven frames. He induced 19 swinging strikes and notched his second straight quality start. Garcia has been very consistent this season, allowing no more than three runs in any of his 11 outings (nine starts). He'll carry a 2.72 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 60:17 K:BB into his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for Sunday at Toronto.

JUNE 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Stifles Dodgers for third win Garcia (3-3) earned the win over the Dodgers on Wednesday, pitching six innings and allowing one unearned run on two hits and one walk while striking out seven.

Impact The right-hander kept the National League's top-scoring team almost entirely at bay, allowing only an unearned run -- caused in part by his own error -- in the third inning. Garcia didn't allow any extra-base hits and issued just one free pass over his seven superb frames. He has yet to allow more than three runs in any appearance this season, helping him log a solid 2.93 overall ERA. Garcia will look to extend his current personal three-game win streak in his next start, which is expected to come against Boston early next week.

MAY 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Strikes out seven in win Garcia (2-3) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in five innings. He earned the win Thursday versus Oakland.

Impact Two of the three hits against the right-hander left the yard as Garcia allowed solo home runs to Mark Canha and Tony Kemp. It was an otherwise solid start for Garcia, who has yet to yield more than three runs in an appearance. The 24-year-old has a 3.38 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 47:15 K:BB in 40 innings across nine games (seven starts). He lines up for a tough matchup next week at home versus the Dodgers.

MAY 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Tosses five strong innings Garcia (1-3) earned the win Saturday against the Rangers after allowing one run on five hits and two walks while fanning five across five innings.

Impact Garcia has yet to pitch six complete innings this season and it's hard to trust him to be an innings-eating pitcher, but he has allowed just one run in three of his last five appearances. He owns a 4.20 ERA across 15 innings in three starts this month. His next start is scheduled for next week against the Athletics on the road.

MAY 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Runs into sixth-inning trouble Garcia allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Monday.

Impact The Astros' batters squandered opportunities early on, but they built a 5-1 lead entering the sixth inning before the wheels came off. Garcia was cruising until he gave up back-to-back home runs, both off cutters that didn't cut, to Jared Walsh and Justin Upton -- leaving him two outs shy of what would have been his first quality start. Brandon Bielak relieved Garcia and did not pitch well, eliminating the possibility of a win for the young starter. He's been the rotation fill-in for Jake Odorizzi (forearm), who is scheduled to throw to hitters Wednesday and could miss another two or three starts. Garcia is next scheduled to throw Saturday at home against Texas.

MAY 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Fans eight in no-decision Garcia gave up three runs on two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in 4.2 innings in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Yankees. He did not factor in the decision.

Impact Garcia was fairly effective at limiting baserunners, but Giancarlo Stanton took him deep for a two-run home run in the third inning and then followed up with an RBI double in the fifth. The 24-year-old Garcia still showed some promise, notching at least six strikeouts for the fourth time this season. He has a 3.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB in 24.2 innings overall. Jake Odorizzi (forearm) is headed on a rehab assignment, so Garcia tentatively lines up for one more turn in the rotation next week versus the Angels.

MAY 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Awarded another start Garcia is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Garcia stepped back in the rotation last week to replace Jake Odorizzi (forearm) and acquitted himself well in a loss to the Mariners, giving up a run over five innings while striking out six. With Odorizzi still sidelined with the injury, Garcia will be awarded another start, but the matchup is much less cushy this time around. Not only will be tasked with making his first appearance at Yankee Stadium, but he'll also have to slow down a surging New York offense that's beginning to hit its stride after a miserable start to the season. The Yankees have won six of their last seven contests while averaging 5.7 runs per game over that stretch.

MAY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Falls to 0-3 Garcia (0-3) was stuck with the loss Thursday despite allowing just one run on three hits over five innings against the Mariners. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Impact Around a solo shot allowed to Taylor Trammell in the third inning, Garcia was dominant, inducing 14 swinging strikes on just 73 pitches. The 0-3 record does not accurately reflect Garcia's performance so far this season; he now has a 2.70 ERA and 20:7 K:BB in 20 innings. Jake Odorizzi (forearm) is expected to miss an additional start or two, so Garcia figures to get another chance to make his case for a more permanent rotation spot.

APRIL 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Making spot start Thursday Astros manager Dusty Baker said Garcia would start Thursday's series finale against the Mariners, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Impact Garcia will be returning to the mound on three days' rest after he made a 26-pitch relief appearance in Sunday's loss to the Angels. With that in mind, Garcia likely won't be asked to work deep into Thursday's start as he steps into the rotation spot that belonged to the injured Jake Odorizzi (forearm). Garcia may be serving as little more than a glorified opener for Kent Emanuel, who will be available to pitch after covering 8.2 innings of long relief last Saturday following Odorizzi's early departure.

APRIL 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Fares well in spot start Garcia (0-1) was charged with the loss against Colorado on Tuesday despite giving up two earned runs across 5.2 innings. He allowed three hits and three walks while striking out si...

Impact The right-hander averaged 65 pitches over his first two outings this season, so he had no issue absorbing 5.2 frames on 84 pitches against the Rockies. Garcia held Colorado scoreless until a two-out double off the bat of C.J. Cron in the sixth inning chased him from the game. He was impressive overall, however, inducing 14 swinging strikes and allowing only three hits. Garcia will likely return to a long-relief role moving forward, but he showed well enough Tuesday to remain a rotation candidate for Houston if the need arises.

APRIL 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Set for spot start Garcia will make a spot start Tuesday against the Rockies, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Impact Garcia will start in place of Lance McCullers (illness). Of all the places to make a spot start, Coors Field certainly isn't ideal, though the unintimidating Rockies lineup means it's at least a bit less scary than it usually is.

APRIL 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Seven strikeouts in relief Garcia allowed two hits and one walk while striking out seven over 4.1 scoreless innings of relief in Monday's 6-2 loss to Detroit.

Impact This was the second appearance of the season for Garcia, who started for the Astros on April 5; off days since then have obviated the team's need for a fifth starter. He may transition into a relief role going forward. With Jake Odorizzi ready to make his season debut Tuesday and more off days ahead, the Astros won't need a fifth starter until April 24. At that point, Cristian Javier, who was sent to the alternate camp to get his work in, could rejoin the rotation.

APRIL 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Lasts just 3.1 innings in start Garcia allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out one over 3.1 innings in Monday's 7-6 loss to the Angels. He didn't factor into the decision.

Impact Garcia missed time during spring training while under quarantine, so he wasn't as built up as a normal starter might be, but the Astros were hoping to get five innings. Instead, he became their third starter in the last four games who failed to finish the fifth inning. With four days off over the next 13 days, the Astros can get by with four starters for a stretch, allowing Garcia to build up his pitch count in bullpen sessions.

APRIL 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Named fifth starter Astros manager Dusty Baker named Garcia the team's fifth starter Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Impact Jake Odorizzi (conditioning) will join the Astros' starting rotation at some point, but he isn't expected to debut until at least mid-April as he continues to build up after a late start to camp. As a result, Garcia will serve as a starter to begin the regular season while Brandon Bielak takes on a bullpen role. Garcia made two appearances (one start) for Houston this spring and posted a 7.94 ERA and 1.94 WHIP in 5.2 innings. He should make his season debut against the Angels on Monday.

MARCH 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Could start fifth game Garcia or Brandon Bielak will start the fifth game of the regular season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Impact Houston manager Dusty Baker mapped out the starters for the first four games but left the fifth slot unfilled. The plan is for Jake Odorizzi to eventually fill the role, but he needs time to build up innings and pitch count. That leaves Garcia and Bielak, a pair of stretched out relievers that could receive meaningful usage early in the regular season. Whichever one does not serve as the No. 5 starter will be part of the bullpen.

MARCH 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Stretches out to four innings Garcia allowed two hits and two walks while striking out five over four scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring game against Washington.

Impact Garcia gave the Astros length on a day when starter Jake Odorizzi lasted just three outs. The highlight of his outing was an immaculate fifth inning, when he struck out the side on nine pitches. Garcia, a potential starter for Houston in 2020, had been slowed during spring training while spending time in COVID-19 quarantine. With Odorizzi unlikely to be part of the rotation early in the season and Cristian Javier not yet stretched out, Garcia could be a rotation presence the first few weeks of April.

MARCH 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Fires inning in 'B' game Garcia struck out two batters in a scoreless inning during Saturday's "B" game against Washington, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Garcia is emerging as an important piece for the Astros, whose starting depth has been challenged during spring training. This was Garcia's debut in Grapefruit League play, and the right-hander hit 95 MPH with his fastball. He could get another three starts during the final two-plus weeks of spring training, which could put him in the five-inning range if he's needed for the first regular-season turn of the rotation.

MARCH 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Will pitch in B game Saturday Garica is throw in a "B" game Saturday against the Nationals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Impact Garcia is a potential starter, but he hasn't thrown an inning in a spring game and recently cleared the league's health and safety protocols. That doesn't leave much time to build up pitches and innings in the lead up to Opening Day.

MARCH 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE