Astros Make Roster Moves Following Trade with Blue Jays
Houston Astros fans were already bracing for a longer wait before seeing starting pitcher Cristian Javier return to the mound. However, Tuesday’s roster moves served as a stark reminder of what the team is currently missing.
Javier Moved to 60-Day Injured List
The Astros officially placed Javier on the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. The move was necessary to clear a roster spot after Houston completed a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, sending pitching prospect Edinson Batista north of the border in exchange for reliever Nick Robertson.
Javier, a key part of Houston’s starting rotation in 2022 and 2023, underwent elbow surgery last June and isn’t expected to return until at least July. Before his injury, the 28-year-old had a promising start to the 2023 season, going 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA over seven starts.
A Vital Piece of Houston’s Success
Astros fans will always remember Javier’s contributions, particularly during the team’s 2022 World Series-winning campaign. That season, he posted an impressive 11-9 record with a 2.54 ERA and a 3.6 bWAR over 30 games (25 starts). His dominance extended into the postseason, where he allowed just one earned run and struck out 16 batters across 12.2 innings.
However, his 2023 season was more of a rollercoaster. Despite making 31 starts for the AL West champions, his ERA climbed to 4.56, and his year ended on a sour note. Many fans will remember his struggles in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Texas Rangers, where he failed to make it out of the first inning—a disappointing finish to an otherwise solid campaign.
New Addition to the Bullpen
While Javier’s absence continues to loom over the Astros’ rotation, the acquisition of Nick Robertson adds depth to their bullpen. Robertson, a promising young reliever, brings fresh potential to Houston’s pitching staff. The team hopes he can contribute valuable innings as they navigate the early months of the season without one of their top starters.
Looking Ahead
Javier’s road to recovery remains a long one, but the Astros are making moves to stay competitive in his absence. With their eyes set on another deep postseason run, Houston will need both its seasoned veterans and new additions to step up. Until then, fans will have to wait patiently for Javier’s return to the mound.