HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Luis Garcia took the next step on the road to returning to a Major League mound on Friday by throwing his first live batting practice since undergoing Tommy John Surgery last May.
Garcia threw mostly fastballs in a 20-pitch session to Grae Kessinger, but was still able to mix in the rest of his pitch mix.
"It feels great," Garcia said. "Really excited for this next step that I have, so just looking forward, and hopefully I can come back soon."
Astros manager Joe Espada said Garcia will throw two or three more live batting practice sessions before going out on a rehab assignment. The right-hander will report to the team's complex in West Palm Beach to throw his next live batting practice session.
"I think (in West Palm Beach) he can work, and it takes a little bit more time for him to bounce back, get the trainers around him while we can on the road," Espada said.
Espada watched Garcia pitch along with several other Astros coaches and players, including Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier, currently on the IL due to forearm injuries. Both are still awaiting second opinions from the imaging they had on Tuesday, and Espada did not have an update on the status of either pitcher.
"Met with both of them today, in my office individually," Espada said. "They're both waiting to hear from the doctors, so I don't have anything to report now, and I want to give those guys space and privacy."
Espada declined comment when asked about the condition of both pitchers' ulnar collateral ligaments.
