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.

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.