Right-handed Astros Cristian Javier was pulled from today’s game after just one inning due to shoulder stiffness. As reported by Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Javier was preparing for the second inning but called the catch. Christian Vázquez and the coaching staff to the mound before they left.
At this point, it’s too early to know any details about Javier’s injury or its severity. However, even a small absence could be a big blow for the Astros. A few days ago, they lost their ace, as Hunter Brown went on the injured list due to a shoulder strain.
Even with Brown’s injury, the Astros still plan to have a six-man rotation in the near future. On Thursday they started a 13 game streak. Going to a six person turn will reduce the impact Tatsuya Imaiwho is still in the first few weeks of his MLB career. In Japan, starting pitchers usually throw once a week as opposed to the five-man rotation that is common in North America.
Imai, Javier, Burrows and Lance McCullers Jr. it would have counted four spots. The other two would be up in the air. Cody Bolton he was just reminded that he made the first place and he could be in trouble. Spencer Arrighetti we are in a job you can choose but we can be remembered. Ryan Weiss, AJ Blubaughagain Kai-Wei Teng they have starting experience but have been playing in the big league bullpen. Blubaugh replaced Javier today but allowed five runs in the second and was pulled in the third. He threw 39 pitches in his one career inning.
Getting rid of Javier would also require the Astros to reach even further into their depth, considering they still want to go six-deep in the rotation. Weiss threw 62 pitches in Monday’s long outing, so he’s recovered, though he allowed six earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. Houston has it too Jason Alexander, Colton Gordon again Miguel Ullola in a career of your choice.
Houston’s outfield also seemed stuck today. Jake Meyers he tried to check his swing during plate appearances and caught on his slant. He left the game and the Astros announced his injury as a back strain. Meyers has spent a lot of time in center field this year. He is a solid defender and has a solid .243/.326/.378 line so far on the season.
If Meyers needs to miss some time, the Astros will need to find a solution up the middle. Brice Matthews came into Meyers’ game today. He is one of the best players on this team but enters today with only 22 games of big league experience and a .148/.212/.410 line in that. Right winger Cam Smith he got some work in the center but not in the official game. A left-handed player Joey Loperfido has experience in the midfield but less than in the corners.
Houston has it Zach Cole again Shay Whitcomb in a career of your choice. However, Cole recently broke his toe when he was hit by a pitch in a Triple-A game. His timing is unclear but he is not immediately available. Whitcomb has far more experience in the infield than he does on the grass. As for options that aren’t a program with external information, they have it Taylor Trammell, Cavan Biggio again CJ Alexander.
Photo courtesy of Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images
