AUGUST 2, 2020 • THEATHLETIC.COM
CRISTIAN JAVIER #53 - PITCHER - HOUSTON ASTROS
3-1 W-L •
1.41 WHIP •
3.89 ERA
3-1 W-L
1.41 WHIP
3.89 ERA
Adds & Drops: Nate Pearson arrives and Cristian Javier shines Derek VanRiper recommends the top players that GMs should be targeting on the waiver wire this week in fantasy baseball.
Podcast transcript: FAABing Cristian Javier, Jesús Luzardo's role and more Derek VanRiper and Al Melchior discuss the merits of Daniel Ponce de Leon, Tony Gonsolin, Zack Godley... and more! In transcript form!
JULY 30, 2020 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Pitches well as fill-in Javier allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out eight over 5.2 innings while taking a no-decision in a 4-2 extra-innings loss to the Dodgers.
Impact Javier was tapped as the fill-in starter for the injured Justin Verlander (forearm) and turned in an effort worthy of the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. Unfortunately, Houston's batters failed to support the rookie who had two innings of experience above Double-A prior to the season. The Astros left 15 men on base and went 3-for-19 with runners in scoring position. The right-hander's next start is expected Tuesday on the road against the Diamondbacks.
JULY 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
All quiet till Ríos HR in 13th lifts Dodgers over Astros 4-2
The Dodgers and Astros were on their best behavior a day after a fracas at Minute Maid Park, and Edwin Ríos hit a two-run homer in the 13th inning to give Los Angeles a 4-2 winJULY 30, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Confirmed to start Wednesday Manager Dusty Baker confirmed that Javier would start Wednesday's game against the Dodgers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Impact Prior to Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Dodgers, Baker stopped short of locking Javier in to start the series finale, but the rookie will now get the ball Wednesday after he wasn't needed out of the bullpen a day earlier. Javier will face the unenviable task of filling in for ace Justin Verlander (forearm) in what will mark the 23-year-old's first MLB start. Javier split time between the High-A, Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2019, posting a sparkling 1.74 ERA and 0.97 WHIP to go with a 170:59 K:BB in 113.2 innings. Though he had been stretched out to start in summer camp, expect Javier to be capped at around five innings Wednesday.
JULY 29, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
May, Dodgers to face Javier, Astros
The Houston Astros host the Los Angeles DodgersJULY 29, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Benches clear as Dodgers beat Astros 5-2
Benches cleared during the Dodgers’ 5-2 victory over the Astros in the first game between the teams since it was revealed that Houston stole signs en route to a 2017 World Series c...JULY 29, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Frontrunner for Wednesday's start Javier will start Wednesday's game against the Dodgers unless he's needed in relief Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Impact The Astros have a hole in their rotation following Justin Verlander's forearm strain, as they're also without Jose Urquidy (undisclosed) and Austin Pruitt (elbow). Javier is expected to get the first crack at the job, though that can't be confirmed until after Tuesday's contest. Javier has thrown just 12 innings above the Double-A level, including an inning of relief this season, though his 1.74 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 37.3 percent strikeout rate in 113.2 innings split across the three highest levels of the minors last season are all encouraging numbers. He did walk 12.9 percent of opposing batters, though, so he's hardly a finished product.
JULY 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Could fill in for Verlander Javier is viewed as a potential candidate to take Justin Verlander's (forearm) spot in the rotation when a new fifth starter is first needed Wednesday against the Dodgers, Brian Mc...
Impact Javier made the Astros' Opening Day roster as a member of the bullpen, but he had been stretched out as a starter during summer camp. Since he only covered one scoreless frame out of the bullpen in Saturday's win over the Mariners, he should be sufficiently rested and ready to handle the bulk of the innings Wednesday, if he's chosen to replace Verlander. McTaggart also notes that fellow long reliever Cy Sneed and top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley are other candidates to replace Verlander.
JULY 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
