Cristian Javier DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.