The Houston Astros pitching staff suffered another blow on Wednesday during the series finale against the Colorado Rockies. It has been a disastrous road trip for Houston, losing two consecutive series against the Athletics and now the Rockies.
Not only that, but the team’s ace, right-hander Hunter Brown, has been moved to the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. And now he may not be the only member of the starting rotation set to miss extended time.
Right-hander Cristian Javier left Wednesday’s game against Colorado after just one inning of work. The 29-year-old allowed one run on three hits and threw just 20 pitches in his third start of the season before being unexpectedly removed in the second inning.
AJ Blubaugh entered the game in Javier’s place, and concern quickly shifted toward Javier's early exit. Moments later, the Astros provided an update on Javier’s status. “Jake Meyers left today's game due to lower back tightness,” the team wrote on X.
Javier has struggled thus far in 2026, and it is unclear if this groin issue had been bothering him before the appearance on Wednesday. Through his first two starts before Wednesday, he had a 12.96 ERA with just three total strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings. Javier has dealt with numerous injuries since 2023. Over the past three seasons, he has made just 18 total starts.
Javier’s best season came in 2022 when he posted a career-low 2.54 ERA across 30 appearances and helped lead the Astros to a World Series title. However, Javier underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in June 2024, and since then his velocity has fallen off and he has struggled to regain his previous form.
The hope is that his right groin soreness does not force a stint on the injured list, as the Astros cannot afford to lose any more arms. With the rotation already depleted and Javier’s status now uncertain, Houston faces the possibility of yet another critical absence at a time when stability is desperately needed.
