The Venezuelan had pitched briefly with the White Sox and Brewers before he was claimed by Houston in the Rule 5 draft. He became a darkhorse to win a job in the starting rotation in 1997 but emerged to post a 9-8 record and a 3.69 ERA in 42 games with the Astros as Houston won the National League Central title.

García did not make the club in 1998, however, and was not able to return to the majors before his retirement.