Houston, Texas — The Houston Astros’ pitcher, Cristian Javier, is set to undergo Tommy John surgery on Thursday, dealing a significant blow to the team’s pitching rotation. This surgery comes after a second opinion from renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, who recommended the reconstructive procedure. The recovery time usually ranges from 12 to 14 months, meaning Javier might return late in the 2025 season.
Javier’s impending surgery follows similar news about his teammate, José Urquidy, possibly needing the same procedure. With both pitchers expected to miss the remainder of the season and a significant portion of the 2025 season, concerns arise about the Astros’ starting pitching depth as they aim to improve their standing.
The team currently has five healthy starters with substantial major-league experience, including Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Ronel Blanco, Hunter Brown, and Spencer Arrighetti. However, neither Arrighetti nor Blanco has pitched more than 125 innings in any professional season, raising questions about their reliability.
While pitchers Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are expected to return after the All-Star break, their effectiveness remains uncertain due to their recovery from their own elbow surgeries. General Manager Dana Brown mentioned the team’s intention to acquire pitching help, emphasizing the need to bolster the rotation without sacrificing the team’s future.
Javier’s struggles this season, following a promising 2022 campaign, highlight the unpredictability of the sport. His recent injury ordeal, leading to his season-ending surgery, shows the challenges faced by professional athletes in maintaining peak performance year after year. The Astros will now have to navigate this setback and seek alternative options to strengthen their pitching staff for the remainder of the season.
Despite the setbacks, the Astros remain determined to contend and are actively exploring opportunities to bolster their roster. The team’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test as they strive to overcome injuries and setbacks to remain competitive in the challenging landscape of Major League Baseball.