Houston, Texas – The Houston Astros have faced a setback as they place Cristian Javier on the injured list due to a neck issue, announced manager Joe Espada. This injury adds to the team’s already struggling rotation, with Javier being the sixth starter to be sidelined this season.
The Astros have been dealing with a string of injuries to their pitching staff, with key members like Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, José Urquidy, and Framber Valdez also sidelined. However, there was a glimmer of hope as ace Justin Verlander recently returned from the IL and performed well in his season debut against the Washington Nationals.
Javier, who had been a stabilizing force for the team, was expected to start the series finale against the Nationals but was replaced by Hunter Brown due to neck discomfort. General manager Dana Brown emphasized the importance of caution in Javier’s case, highlighting the grueling nature of the season.
Despite the challenges, the Astros remain optimistic about Valdez’s potential return during an upcoming road trip, but no solid plans have been made beyond Brown’s start. The absence of McCullers and Garcia is expected to extend until near the All-Star break, while Urquidy continues to recover from a forearm strain suffered during spring training.
In response to Javier’s injury, the team plans to recall pitching prospect Spencer Arrighetti to bolster the rotation. Arrighetti, who already has some major league experience, will step in during Javier’s absence, providing depth to the pitching staff.
The Astros will need to navigate through these pitching challenges as they look to maintain their competitive edge in a tough division. With key players on the mend, the team will have to rely on depth and resilience to weather the storm and stay in contention.