The Houston Astros rolled into 2025 with familiar championship aspirations guiding their way. However, the opening weeks have been marked by unforeseen challenges—primarily affecting their pitching staff. Injuries have mounted rapidly, testing the organization’s pitching depth. And now, with Spencer Arrighetti suddenly on the shelf, the team needs someone to step in and stabilize the rotation. This is a challenge this franchise has faced before, requiring resilience and adaptability, and perhaps an unexpected hero.

An immediate answer to the most recent crisis came quickly. Sports reporter Ari Alexander confirmed the news via social media. “Source: The #Astros are calling Luis Contreras back up,” Alexander tweeted. He added the crucial context by noting that Luis Contreras will join the team in Seattle, as Arrighetti’s broken thumb necessitates an IL stint. This swift recall emphasizes the urgency as Contreras runs to rejoin the big league club on the road. His return was not planned just days ago, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Arrighetti’s injury was a brutal stroke of bad luck, occurring well away from game action. Disaster struck on Monday, April 7, just before the Astros were to start their series with the Seattle Mariners from April 7 to April 9. Arrighetti was playing catch in the outfield at T-Mobile Park during the Mariners’ batting practice when the incident occurred. A sharp line drive came off a bat and caught his throwing hand, causing a broken right thumb.

Houston’s management responded quickly yet cautiously to the unexpected pitching void, weighing their options carefully. Contreras received the call back to the majors, and other roster moves followed. The Astros picked up right-handed Logan VanWey from Triple-A Sugar Land. VanWey certainly deserved the nod, having put up an impressive 1.32 ERA during spring training. VanWey was added to the 40-man roster, which involves transferring pitcher Luis Garcia to the 60-day IL to make room. However, this move does not affect Garcia’s recovery timeline from his elbow issues.

Astros’ pitching puzzle: Will Luis Contreras be a piece?

This latest injury only compounds the Astros’ already problematic pitching situation. Arrighetti has now been added to an already crowded injured list that features a number of important arms. Luis Garcia (elbow) and Cristian Javier (Tommy John recovery) are sidelined until at least mid-season, significantly impacting the team’s pitching depth. J.P. France underwent shoulder surgery with a potential return expected late in 2025. Lance McCullers Jr. (flexor tendon surgery), Kaleb Ort (oblique), Forrest Whitley (knee bruise), and Shawn Dubin (shoulder) are all on their way back, with most expected back by late April, which could bolster the team’s pitching staff.

With Arrighetti out, Houston’s active starting rotation now leans on Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and Hayden Wesneski. Despite the injuries, they remained well-equipped with top relievers like Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu holding down the back of the bullpen. Contreras fits back into this mix, perhaps giving valuable middle or long relief innings at first. His immediate role is to offer manager Joe Espada an additional reliable arm in the bullpen while the team reassesses its starting rotation.

But the question remained whether Contreras can be a reliable long-term solution, particularly if Arrighetti is out for an extended period. Contreras’ Major League numbers raise fair questions about his consistency. In his four appearances in 2025 before being optioned, Contreras struggled to an 8.44 ERA. He has a career MLB ERA of 8.74 over just 11.1 innings, which raises concerns about his ability to perform at the highest level.

Houston gets an off-day Thursday, giving them time before needing a fifth starter against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. They can tweak the rotation or turn to other options such as Colton Gordon or Ryan Gusto, while McCullers Jr. is also close to a return.

However, to dismiss Contreras entirely would overlook his success on one level. He was spectacular last season in Triple-A with Sugar Land. The right-hander compiled a dominant 1.74 ERA over 46.2 innings, punching out 50 batters. That performance demonstrates that the talent is there in spades. This unexpected recall gives Contreras a chance can be replicated in the major leagues. Now the question is: Can he take this opportunity and be a guy the Astros can trust?