The Houston Astros are relying heavily on the starting pitchers still standing—most notably Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown—as injuries continue to ravage their rotation.
Astros fans are well aware of the strain: three starters are currently on the 60-day injured list, and two more are sidelined on the 15-day IL. Despite this, the team has pushed forward, leaning on its depth and hoping reinforcements arrive soon.
One bit of encouraging news for the injury-plagued Astros is that Cristian Javier, one of the starters currently on the 60-day injured list, has started throwing again.
While it’s still early in his recovery and no one should expect him to return and singlehandedly stabilize the rotation, the fact that he’s back to throwing is a positive step forward. Javier has been a key part of Houston’s staff in recent seasons, and his eventual return could provide much-needed support later this summer.
How Cristian Javier is Making Progress After Surgery
According to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, Cristian Javier recently threw 15 pitches off a mound at the Astros’ facility in West Palm Beach, Fla.—his first time doing so since undergoing Tommy John surgery last June.
Javier had gotten off to a strong start for Houston in 2023, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.89 ERA over seven starts before suffering the injury that ended his season. While he’s still a ways from returning to game action, getting back on the mound marks a key milestone in his recovery.
Cristian Javier is nearing the one-year mark since undergoing Tommy John surgery, and while his recent bullpen session is a promising sign, he still faces a long road back. Pitchers typically return 12 to 18 months after the procedure, so his ability to contribute in 2025 will depend on whether he avoids setbacks in the coming months.
The Astros have long struggled with rotation depth, and the current injury situation only underscores that. While Lance McCullers Jr. recently returned after a long layoff dating back to the 2022 World Series, Houston remains without two other key arms: Javier and Luis Garcia.
Garcia, who also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023, was originally expected to return sometime this season. However, he was recently shut down after experiencing elbow inflammation during spring training, casting doubt on his timeline.
With so many unknowns, Houston’s already thin starting pitching depth is under serious pressure.
The Astros’ rotation has been hit hard from every angle, with both long-term and short-term injuries stacking up:
- J.P. France is recovering from surgery to repair a torn right shoulder capsule, which he underwent in July 2024. With a typical 12–14 month recovery timeline, he might be able to return late this season, but it’s far from guaranteed.
- On the 15-day IL:
- Hayden Wesneski was just placed on the list due to right elbow discomfort. He’s currently being evaluated by team doctors, and any potential diagnosis could significantly impact his availability.
- Spencer Arrighetti suffered a broken right thumb after being struck by a line drive during batting practice. That injury, while not arm-related, still sidelines him at a time when depth is badly needed.
With Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, J.P. France, and several others out, Houston is dangerously thin in its starting rotation. Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown are carrying a heavy load, but without reinforcements or external help, the Astros will likely continue to be vulnerable on the mound.
