Astros To Move Cristian Javier To Bullpen
Former ace Cristian Javier returns from injury but won’t start—manager Joe Espada slots him into relief as Houston’s rotation stays locked in.
Cristian Javier is back from a three-month shoulder absence, but the Houston Astros aren’t rushing him into the rotation. Manager Joe Espada confirmed Javier will work as a reliever, a role the left-hander hasn’t occupied since 2021. The move underscores the Astros’ unexpected depth in the starting five, which has outperformed expectations despite Javier’s $64 million extension signed just two years ago.
