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17 hours ago
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The Houston Astros' starting rotation is slowly starting to get healthy after deciding not to make moves to improve the pitching depth during the MLB trade deadline.
Starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti is set to make his return to the mound on Wednesday after recovering from a right thumb fracture he sustained back in April, and now Cristian Javier is progressing towards returning sometime in August.
General manager Dana Brown gave an update on Cristian Javier's recovery from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday while talking on SportsTalk 790.
"Dana Brown said on SportsTalk 790 that it looks like Cristian Javier will need one more rehab start before joining the team," Astros writer Michael Schwab posted on X.
Javier, 28, underwent Tommy John surgery in June of 2024 and hasn't made a start for the Astros since May 21, 2024. His return will be crucial for Houston to make a deep playoff push come October.
Once he returns, he will join a starting rotation that includes Cy Young Award candidate Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, and returning pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.
Houston is also waiting on the return of starting pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. (blister), Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery), and J.P. France (shoulder tear), as well as designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand fracture), before their roster can return to full health for a deep playoff push.
Despite having a strong start in the first half of their season, Houston's struggled to get any momentum going since the All-Star break. The Seattle Mariners are only three games back in the AL West and are making a strong push to steal the top spot from the Astros in the division.
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