Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) didn't fare very well in his fourth minor-league rehab start on Wednesday for Triple-A Sugar Land, allowing three earned runs on two hits while walking four and striking out three in 3 1/3 innings. He threw only 33 of his 64 pitches for strikes. The 28-year-old hasn't had great results in his four starts on the farm -- he has a 6.10 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 9:11 K:BB in 10 1/3 innings -- but the most important thing is that he hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2024. The Astros aren't going to rush Javier back off the 60-day injured list, and when he is finally activated, he is probably going to be eased in after making only seven starts last year. Fantasy managers are going to want to temper expectations for Javier in the final two months of the season.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) built up to 64 pitches in his second rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday. Javier went 3 1/3 innings, threw 33 strikes, and allowed three earned runs on two hits with four walks against three strikeouts. The 28-year-old has struggled with command in both of his Triple-A starts, but that's not a surprise for someone working back from Tommy John surgery. It's at least encouraging that Javier showed off normal velocity on Wednesday (93 mph average fastball) and threw 15 more pitches his second time out. Javier still figures to need a couple more rehab starts before rejoining the Astros' pitching staff sometime in August. He hasn't toed the rubber in the majors since May 2024.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) made his first Triple-A rehab start on Thursday and threw 49 pitches (30 strikes) in 2 2/3 innings. Javier gave up one run on three hits with two walks and a strikeout as he continues progressing toward an August return to the majors. The 28-year-old hasn't pitched in the bigs since May 2024 as a result of Tommy John surgery. As the owner of a lifetime 3.59 ERA over 116 appearances (82 starts), Javier could help Houston's rotation upon his return. He's among a handful of Astros starting options on the mend from long-term injuries, joining the likes of Luis Garcia (elbow), Spencer Arrighetti (thumb), and J.P. France (shoulder). The team hopes to get all of those reinforcements back in the coming weeks as it pushes for an AL West title.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) is scheduled to move his rehab to Triple-A Sugar Land this week. It's the next step toward the majors for Javier, who got through a three-inning, 46-pitch Double-A rehab start last weekend. Javier hasn't pitched in the bigs since he underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024. Before then, Garcia posted a 3.59 ERA with 10.13 K/9 and 3.66 BB/9 over 501 innings from 2020-24. The Astros are hopeful that the 28-year-old will rejoin their staff in August.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) pitched well over three innings in his first Double-A rehab start on Friday. Javier totaled 46 pitches and allowed one run on two hits with three strikeouts against two walks. It was the second rehab outing for Javier, who tossed 35 pitches in a July 12 start in the rookie-level Florida Complex League. The 28-year-old hasn't taken a major league mound since he underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024. Javier proved effective before then, recording a 3.59 ERA in 501 innings. The Astros remain hopeful that he'll return sometime in August.

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said on Sports Talk 790 radio that right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) is ahead of Luis Garcia (elbow) in his rehab. "He's going to help us this year. It's probably going to take him a little bit longer," Brown said. Javier, who is on the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, hit 95 mph during a 35-pitch rehab appearance in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on July 12. MLB.com suggests he could be the first of the Astros' injured pitchers to come off the IL, potentially in August. During his rehab start on Friday in the FCL, the 28-year-old allowed three runs (two earned) on one hit while walking three and striking out two in 1 1/3 innings. Javier was unsurprisingly rusty, but he could help Houston's rotation down the stretch and potentially into the playoffs this fall.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) began a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League on Saturday. In his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024, Javier threw 35 pitches over 1 1/3 innings. He allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks, striking out one. The 28-year-old's fastball reached 95 mph, and Astros manager Joe Espada said he felt "really good" afterward. The Astros remain optimistic that Javier will contribute in the second half of the season, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Javier has a career 3.59 ERA in 501 innings, but it's anyone's guess how he'll fare coming off major surgery.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) has been sent on a rehab assignment to the Florida Complex League, according to MLB.com. Javier underwent Tommy John surgery in June of 2024, so he'll likely need the full extent of the rehab assignment before he's ready to return to the big-league mound. The 28-year-old starter has thrown 501 career innings (82 starts) with a 33-18 record, 3.59 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 17.5% K-BB rate. He'll have to prove he can regain full health and prior form, but he could be an important addition to Houston's rotation for the final few months of the season. Javier is someone for fantasy managers to monitor, but he'll likely return to true fantasy relevance in 2026.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (elbow) was able to throw two innings of live batting practice. Javier continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery from last year. The hope is that Javier can head out on a rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break. The assumption is that Javier is going to need a few rehab starts before rejoining the Astros rotation. Possibly, Javier can be an option for the Astros over the last month or two of the season. He's not someone that needs to be stashed at the moment in fantasy leagues.

Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier (elbow) has thrown multiple live bullpen sessions as he continues to ramp his arm back up to game form. The right-hander last pitched for the Astros at the end of May 2024 before succumbing to an elbow injury that ultimately led to him needing Tommy John Surgery the following month. Now, thirteen months later, he has worked his way up to this point and is awaiting clearance to begin what should be a lengthy rehab assignment. Javier is worth stashing in the deepest of leagues as a flyer, given that he is returning after such a lengthy absence.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (elbow) was able to throw a 20-pitch live batting practice session last week. Javier reportedly looked good during the session and was able to hit 95 mph on his fastball, according to Astros' manager Joe Espada. It's nice to see Javier progressing to face live hitters. He continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery from last year. The assumption is Javier is going to need a few rehab outings before rejoining the Astros rotation. Hopefully, Javier can be an asset to this pitching staff in the second half.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (elbow) has progressed in his recovery from Tommy John surgery to the point that he will be ready to throw live batting practice on Friday in West Palm Beach, according to Astros manager Joe Espada. Javier threw off a mound for the first time since his surgery last Friday and was limited to just 15 pitches. He'll likely have another severe limitation in this session as he continues to recover and build up strength. Since he has been sidelined since May of last year, he'll likely need an extended minor-league rehab assignment before he's ready to rejoin the Astros' rotation, but this is another step towards his return, which could come in late July or August if he doesn't have any setbacks.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier (elbow) threw a 40-pitch bullpen session in Florida last Wednesday and then threw another 20-pitch bullpen session on Monday, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Javier is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and has been throwing off the mound for a month, but he has yet to be cleared to face live hitters. However, that could be coming soon for the 28-year-old. Even if he avoids any setbacks as he continues to ramp up, Javier isn't going to be an option to return to the major-league roster until some point in the second half of 2025. The Dominican pitcher made only seven starts last year before he was shut down, going 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 27:19 K:BB in 34 2/3 frames. Javier is going to have limited fantasy appeal the rest of this season as the Astros ease him back into the fold.

Houston Astros starting pitchers Luis Garcia (elbow) and Cristian Javier (elbow) continue to progress in their return from Tommy John surgery, but each is still just throwing bullpen sessions and not ready to progress to live batting practice. Each pitcher is hoping to work towards a late-July or early-August return to the rotation, although they still have several steps before a firm timetable can be established. Since they have been out for a year, they will likely need long rehab stints to ramp up before they can offer any help to Houston's rotation or your fantasy team. Neither needs to be stashed at this point, but it's worth keeping an eye on them as they continue to progress in their recovery.

According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (elbow) is targeting a return to the mound following the All-Star Break. Javier underwent Tommy John surgery in June. Across 34 2/3 innings last season, Javier posted a 3.89 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. He struck out 27 batters and held a 12.7% walk rate. In 2023 across a career-high 162 innings, Javier held a 4.56 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP with 159 punchouts. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status during the first half of the season, as he could embark on a rehab assignment during the early months of the campaign. With Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) and Luis Garcia (elbow) also expected to miss Opening Day, fantasy managers should expect Hayden Wesneski to have a spot in the rotation. 25-year-old Ryan Gusto could also contend for a spot during spring training. Javier should not be targeted in standard fantasy leagues given how much time he is expected to miss.

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said on Thursday that right-handers Cristian Javier (elbow) and Jose Urquidy (elbow) are both projected to return at the end of July in 2025, "hopefully earlier." Javier and Urquidy both had Tommy John surgery in June of this year, so they will most likely miss all of the first half of next season as they recover. Javier is the more attractive fantasy option, but neither pitcher is going to be able to make any kind of impact until after the All-Star break, and even then, they'll both be risky coming of TJ surgery. The 27-year-old Javier only made seven starts for Houston in 2024, going 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 27 K's and 19 walks in 34 2/3 innings. Urquidy was unable to pitch at all in the big leagues in 2024, and he only appeared in 16 (10 starts) games in 2023 due to injuries as well.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Wednesday that both starting pitchers Cristian Javier (forearm) and Jose Urquidy (forearm) are "getting opinions from other doctors." Espada said earlier this week that both pitchers were examined by doctors on Monday, but their imaging results haven't been disclosed. Javier was unable to throw a scheduled bullpen session on Sunday due to right forearm discomfort, and he was then placed on the injured list for the second time this season. Urquidy, on the other hand, has missed the entire season with a right forearm strain and was close to rejoining Houston's rotation before suffering a setback during a minor-league rehab assignment. This could lead to a pretty significant development for the two hurlers, who both currently have no clear timetable for a return to the Astros. Although Urquidy isn't a must-stash fantasy player, we'd recommend holding onto Javier until more is known.

Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier (forearm) has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm discomfort. Javier saw his velocity plummet in his most recent start and missed his scheduled bullpen session on Sunday morning. It has been a frustrating season for a number of Astros pitchers and Javier is no exception. He previously missed 18 days on the injured list back in April with neck discomfort. The 27-year-old was fantastic to start the 2024 season but surrendered 11 runs across 11 1/3 innings after returning from his previous ailment. It remains to be seen how much time Javier will miss, although the team does not seem to think the injury is overly significant. Hunter Brown will start Tuesday's game in place of Javier and Eric Lauer could come back to the big leagues if the Astros want to stick with a six-man rotation.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (forearm) was unable to throw his scheduled bullpen session on Sunday. This is an interesting development considering Javier is scheduled to start against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday. For now, Javier is being considered as day-to-day due to forearm discomfort. The expectation is that the Astros will give an update on Javier's status prior to Monday's game. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier had his best start of the season on Thursday, going six scoreless innings in an 8-1 win over the Oakland Athletics. Javier allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out a season-high eight. The 27-year-old got 15 whiffs on 39 swings, including five on his slider, six on his changeup, and four on his fastball, indicating he had everything working in this one. He lowered his ERA to 3.23 and his WHIP to 1.24 with the solid start. Although things haven't been easy for Javier this season, he is worth rostering in fantasy because of his ability to have outings like this one.