Mike Burrows has been having a challenging season and now has been placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to July 7 with right elbow neuritis, per MLB. Alimber Santa, who was called up when Burrows was optioned, has been sent back down to Triple-A Sugar Land.
A new development that adds even more uncertainty to an already thin rotation.
What exactly is Neuritis?
Elbow neuritis, commonly referred to as cubital tunnel syndrome, is inflammation of the ulnar nerve where it passes through the elbow. If you have ever hit your funny bone, it feels similar to that. For a pitcher it can cause tingling and numbness in the fingers, hand weakness, and difficulty with grip, which is obviously a serious issue when your job is to throw a baseball. Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and physical therapy, so the timeline for Burrows' return will depend on how well he responds.
Burrows was one of the Astros' biggest offseason additions, acquired from the Pirates in a three team trade that cost the Astros two top prospects. He was once an exciting addition but has had a rough go in the 2026 season.
He finishes his active stint with a 4-9 record, 5.99 ERA in 94 2/3 innings, per MLB. He has the second highest ERA in the AL, and his last start was the brutal 10-run outing against the Nationals on July 6. A brutal last outing to end on and then end up on the IL.
Burrows was one of six pitchers Dana Brown acquired on Major League deals this offseason.
Ryan Weiss and Roddery Munoz have both been designated for assignment, Kai-Wei Teng was optioned but is now on the IL with a knee injury, Nate Pearson has been solid in the bullpen with a 3.79 ERA, and Tatsuya Imai who was one of the most hyped additions has been inconsistent all season.
The one bright spot has been Peter Lambert, signed to a Minor League deal after pitching in Japan last season, who is 8-5 with a 3.14 ERA, per MLB. Lambert has given the Astros some consistency and length which has been huge for the struggling and constantly thinning pitching staff.
For Burrows this is a rough outcome for a player the Astros gave up a lot to acquire. The rotation continues to be the biggest concern heading into the second half. After all of the attempts to beef up the pitching staff, the Astros are still in need of some consistent arms.
