The Houston Astros are still in line to win the AL Central title after a series win against the struggling New York Yankees over the weekend. Although the Seattle Mariners are right on their tail, the Astros have a half-game lead in the division.
Houston has been experiencing growing pains since third baseman Isaac Paredes went down with a hamstring injury, and the team acquired multiple players in hopes of improving their right-handed-heavy lineup.
They went all in on the offense and avoided trading for pitchers at the deadline with hopes that starting pitchers would make their return before the postseason. So far, their plans are taking shape.
With a rocky return of Spencer Arrighetti on Wednesday, the Astros have announced that fellow right-handed pitcher Cristian Javier will be making his long-awaited return to the mound in the Astros’ series opener against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
“Cristian Javier will start tomorrow for the Astros against the Red Sox. Spencer Arrighetti on Tuesday and Hunter Brown Wednesday,” said Astros field reporter Julia Morales.
Cristian Javier will start tomorrow for the Astros against the Red Sox. Spencer Arrighetti on Tuesday and Hunter Brown Wednesday.
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) August 10, 2025
Javier, 28, hasn’t seen the major league mound for the Astros since May 21, 2024. The starting pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, resulting in a 14-month rehab process.
A World Series champion in 2022 with the Astros, and the first pitcher in MLB history to start in two separate combined no-hitters, Javier has had an impressive career before suffering the elbow injury.
In 116 appearances, Javier has career statistics that include a 33-18 record, 3.59 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 564 strikeouts in 501 innings pitched.
With his return before October, his presence in the postseason is even more dominant. In 17 appearances. Javier has a 6-2 record, 2.69 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts in 43.2 innings in the playoffs.
