Astros may receive huge Cristian Javier boost soon

The Houston Astros have had their share of struggles and have been without Cristian Javier for stretches of time this season. But the star pitcher could return from his injury soon, according to the latest update on MLB.com.

“Expected to rejoin Astros’ rotation after one more rehab start. Threw 63 pitches in 3 1/3 innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on June 16,” MLB.com reported.

Javier has been working his way back from a Grade 2 shoulder sprain.  He has been out since April 9 and has barely pitched this season. Javier is 0-1 with a 12.54 ERA in three starts. Notably, Javier just returned from Tommy John Surgery and has allowed 13 earned runs across 9 1/3 innings.

Javier’s return will boost a rotation that has the second-worst ERA in baseball. The Astros trade deadline plans could hinge on how they do over the next few weeks. Much of that will depend on what Javier does upon his return. Therefore, it will be very critical to see how the oft-injured pitcher does.

Javier has endured an inability to stay off the injured list over the last several seasons. As a result, it has hindered his ability to make an impact with the Astros. His last good season was in 2022, when he went 11-9 with a 2.54 ERA in 25 starts and 30 overall appearances. Therefore, there is an inkling of what he could be.

The Astros could possibly be cautious with Javier when he returns. More than likely, they could put him on a pitch count when he steps back on the mound. But his return could boost a team that is struggling to keep pace in the standings.