October 3, 2024
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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
June 4, 2024
Houston Astros right-hander
Cristian Javier (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery on Thursday, according to a league source. Javier sought the opinion of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, who recommended the reconstructive surgery that typically carries a 12- to 14-month recovery timeline. In a best-case scenario, Javier could return to Houston's rotation late next season, but there are no guarantees. It's a big blow to the Astros and fantasy managers alike after Javier posted a 3.89 ERA over his seven starts in 2024. The 27-year-old also spent time on the injured list with "neck discomfort." After returning, he allowed 11 earned runs over 11 1/3 innings and saw the velocity on his pitches plummet in his final outing on May 21. Javier signed a five-year, $64 million extension last spring but will now miss the rest of the 2024 season and most of next year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
May 27, 2024
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.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: Chandler Rome
May 26, 2024
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.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Julia Morales
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