Cristian Javier's struggles putting Astros in rough spot

The Houston Astros rebuilt their rotation during the offseason, adding pitchers Mike Burrows and Tatsuya Imai after Framber Valdez departed via free agency. 

However, a key part of the rotation was already with the Astros. Cristian Javier had made eight appearances in 2025 after returning from Tommy John surgery, posting a 4.62 ERA and a 1.270 WHiP over his 37 innings, striking out 34 batters with 15 walks. As Javier was another year removed from surgery, he was expected to take that next step forward in 2026.

That has not been the case thus far. Javier has been hit hard in his first two outings, allowing  12 runs on 10 hits and 9 walks over 8.1 innings, striking out three batters while hitting two others. In just two outings, Javier has managed to accumulate -0.3 fWAR.

Houston Astros may need to make change in rotation due to Cristian Javier's struggles

Javier's struggles are all the more surprising considering he had a solid showing in spring training. He allowed only three runs, two earned, on seven hits and six walks over 10.2 innings, striking out 10. Although his walk rate was higher than usual, the expectations were that Javier would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter.

The Astros have other possible options. Ryan Weiss, who had spent the past two seasons with the Hanwha Eagles in the Korean Baseball Organization, has been excellent in his first three major league outings, allowing just one run on five hits and two walks over his six innings, striking out seven batters. Weiss also fired 38 pitches over the final three innings after Javier was shelled on Friday, making it possible that he could step into the rotation if needed.

There is still time for Javier to return to form and be that steady arm in the middle of the Astros rotation. However, if he continues to struggle, a return to the minors could be in the future.