When Justin Verlander arrived at Spring Training and it was announced that he'd need time to get up to speed, many were concerned for the Houston Astros. Verlander will start the season on the IL, but there isn't believed to be a long-term injury there and that's a positive sign for the Astros at this point.
Verlander is one of the top pitchers in baseball even at this age, so getting him back will be a big help for Houston whenever that does happen.
Others need to get back on track for them to have the season that they're looking to have outside of Verlander, specifically on the mound.
Cristian Javier had a below-average season in 2023 after showing promise in 2022. While Framber Valdez and Verlander will ultimately be the top arms, Javier can give them flexibility if he returns to what he was two seasons ago.
According to Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com, getting Javier back on track is the Astros' biggest goal this season.
The 26-year-old posted a 2.54 ERA in 25 starts during the 2022 season. He threw 148 2/3 innings and struck out 194 hitters. Javier was as good as they get and added another level to this Houston staff.
In 2023, the struggles were clear, Javier posted a 4.56 ERA and struck out 159 in 162 innings pitched. He made 31 starts with none bigger than the Game 7 ALCS start. Javier had a rough outing and was a big part of the organization not having a chance to repeat.
There are questions heading into the season for this rotation. Javier going back to his 2022 form would certainly put many of those to rest.
More must-reads: