CRISTIAN JAVIER NEWS

Turns in scoreless outing Javier (10-5) yielded three hits and two walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out four and earning a win over Arizona.

Impact Javier allowed just one extra-base hit and never found himself in much danger Sunday, cruising to his 10th victory. It was his first win since Aug. 21 and first scoreless appearance since June 15. Despite posting a 2.84 ERA through his first 12 starts, Javier ended the regular season with a disappointing 4.56 ERA through 162 innings. In 11 starts since the beginning of August, he recorded a 5.00 ERA.

OCTOBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Handed fifth loss Javier (9-5) allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out six over 4.2 innings to take the loss Tuesday versus the Mariners.

Impact Javier was tagged for two runs in the third inning and two more before his exit in the fifth. This was his fourth straight outing of no more than five innings, and he's gone six starts without a win. The right-hander is at a 4.67 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 155:60 K:BB through 156 innings over 30 starts this season. Javier may not start again in the regular season since the Astros have just four games left, though he'd be available on regular rest by the last game of this weekend's series versus Arizona if Houston manages to secure a playoff spot before then.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Logs 11 strikeouts in no-decision Javier did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing a run on three hits and two walks over five innings in a 2-1 victory over the Orioles. He struck out 11.

Impact After allowing a run in the opening frame, Javier would rebound to blank the Orioles over his final four innings, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts. Though he's now gone three consecutive outings without a quality start, it was a positive performance from Javier, who'd struggled to a 6.28 ERA in his previous six starts (28.2 innings). Overall, the right-hander is 9-4 with a 4.64 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 149:57 K:BB across 29 starts (151.1 innings) this season. Javier's currently lined up to face the Mariners on the road early next week in what will likely be his final regular-season outing.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Comes up short in K.C. Javier (9-4) took the loss Friday, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over five innings as the Astros fell 4-2 to the Royals. He struck out six.

Impact Single runs by Kansas City in the third, fourth and fifth innings -- the latter two on solo shots by Nelson Velazquez and Bobby Witt -- proved to be too much for the Houston offense to overcome, and Javier got the hook after 81 pitches (52 strikes). The right-hander has served up at least one homer in nine straight outings, a stretch in which he has a rough 5.68 ERA and 1.47 WHIP despite a 44:22 K:BB through 44.1 innings. Javier will try to get back on track in his next start, likely to come at home next week against the Orioles.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in four-inning outing Javier allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings in a no-decision against San Diego on Saturday.

Impact Javier got through three frames without allowing a run before things fell apart in the fourth. In that inning, the right-hander surrendered four runs on three hits and a pair of walks, with a Jurickson Profar two-run homer being the big blow. Javier didn't return to the mound for the fifth, marking his second four-inning start over his past three contests. Walks have been an issue in both of those outings -- he issued six free passes Aug. 28 against Boston. Javier held a 2.90 ERA through his first 14 starts of the season, but that mark has jumped to 4.78 due to an ugly 7.27 ERA over his subsequent 13 appearances.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Turns in quality start Javier (9-3) allowed three runs on four hits and struck out eight without walking a batter over six innings, taking the loss versus the Yankees on Sunday.

Impact Javier cruised through five innings, but he allowed three hits, including a two-run home run to Jasson Dominguez, in the sixth, which flipped the game around. This was a baseline quality start for Javier, his first such effort since July 28. The right-hander struggled to a 6.17 ERA and 16:16 K:BB over 23.1 innings in August. For the year, he's posted a 4.65 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 127:51 K:BB through 137.1 innings over 26 starts. Javier is projected for a home matchup versus the Padres next weekend.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles through four frames Javier allowed four runs on six hits and six walks over four-plus innings in Monday's win over Boston. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Impact Javier coughed up two runs in the first inning followed by Adam Duvall's two-run shot in the fifth. Over his last 11 starts, Javier has produced an unsightly 7.46 ERA and 43:32 K:BB. His season ERA has jumped to 4.66 across 131.1 innings. Javier's next outing is lined up to be on the road against the Rangers next week.

AUGUST 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Earns win with lackluster outing Javier (9-2) allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings Monday, striking out three and earning a win over Boston.

Impact It wasn't Javier's cleanest outing but he looked sharper after coughing up a three-run shot in the first inning. He produced a 2.90 ERA through 14 starts to begin the year but owns an ugly 7.33 ERA over his last 10 outings. He's now sporting a 4.52 ERA with a 115:45 K:BB through 127.1 frames. Javier's next outing is lined up to be in Detroit this weekend.

AUGUST 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in no-decision Javier did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and a walk over 4.2 innings against the Marlins. He struck out two.

Impact Javier hadn't allowed more than three runs in a start since July 3, pitching to a 4.44 ERA over his previous five outings. After holding the Marlins off the board in the first inning, the 26-year-old Javier allowed at least one run in each of his subsequent four innings before he was pulled in the fifth after throwing 95 pitches. Overall, Javier's 8-2 with a 4.49 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 112:42 K:BB across 23 starts (122.1 innings) this season. He'll look to bounce back in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week against Boston.

AUGUST 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Finally back in win column Javier (8-2) picked up the win in Wednesday's 8-2 victory over the Orioles, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out three.

Impact Incredibly, Javier's last win came all the way back on June 3, as over his prior nine starts he'd gone 0-1 with a 6.91 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. Homers have been his biggest of late, as the right-hander has served up nine in his last 34.2 innings -- including a two-run shot by Austin Hays on Wednesday -- but he was able to avoid any other damage in this one. Javier will attempt to put together an actual win streak in his next outing, likely to come early next week in Miami.

AUGUST 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lasts 4.2 innings vs. Yankees Javier did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings in a 4-3 loss to the Yankees. He struck out four.

Impact Javier was tagged for three runs on back-to-back homers in the first inning, though he'd ultimately settle down and blank the Yankees over his final 3.2 frames. Javier has pitched better of late, holding opponents to three runs or fewer in his last four outings, after struggling to a 9.14 ERA in his prior five starts. Overall, his ERA sits at 4.39 with a 1.21 WHIP and 107:38 K:BB across 21 starts (112.2 innings) this season. Javier's currently in line for a road matchup against the Orioles in his next start.

AUGUST 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Confirmed as Thursday starter Astros manager Dusty Baker confirmed Wednesday that Javier will start Thursday's series opener at Yankee Stadium, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact Javier has been getting an extra day of rest between his recent string of starts and the Astros can continue with that model as they prepare to welcome back Jose Urquidy (shoulder) and trade-deadline acquisition Justin Verlander. Hunter Brown will work Friday's game in New York and then Urquidy and Verlander should slot in Saturday and Sunday.

AUGUST 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Pushed back in rotation Javier will get pushed back an extra day and will likely take the ball Thursday at Yankee Stadium, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact It's unclear who the Astros will start Wednesday, but apparently they have been pleased with how Javier has responded to pitching with an extra day of rest, so this could be a theme going forward. Javier's worst start of the year came on normal rest July 3 at Texas and he has received at least an extra day of rest ahead of his three most recent starts, during which he has posted a 4.32 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while striking out 21 in 16.2 innings.

JULY 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Plunks three batters in no-decision Javier did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks over six innings in a 4-3 loss against Tampa Bay. He struck out nine.

Impact After handing out six free passes his last time out, Javier only issued two walks. However, the command issues were still prevalent in the form of three hit batsmen and a homer allowed. Javier started the season by going 7-1 with a 2.84 ERA and 0.99 WHIP over his first 12 starts (69.2 innings), but his performance has slipped considerably over the past two months. Despite his struggles, the Astros figure to keep him in the rotation, though they will have options with the impending return of Jose Urquidy (shoulder).

JULY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Wild in loss Javier (7-2) allowed two runs on one hit and six walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Athletics.

Impact Javier didn't give up a hit until the sixth inning. He put two on with two outs, but Phil Maton let three straight runners reach base and allowed two inherited runners to score, which was enough to leave Javier with the loss. It's been a rough stretch for Javier, who has given up 23 runs while walking 14 over his last 21.1 innings across five starts. The poor pitching has him up to a 4.32 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP and 94:33 K:BB through 102 innings overall. The right-hander is tentatively scheduled for a much tougher matchup at home versus Tampa Bay for his next start.

JULY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Fans seven in no-decision Javier did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over five innings against the Angels. He struck out seven.

Impact Javier still didn't look his sharpest but it was a decent start to his second half. Over his previous three starts, he was tagged with 18 runs in just 10.2 innings. Javier had also turned in nine straight outings with five or fewer punchouts prior to Sunday's performance. He now owns a 4.39 ERA and an 89:27 K:BB through 96.1 frames. Javier's next start is lined up to be in Oakland.

JULY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Rejoining rotation Sunday Javier is slated to start Sunday's game against the Angels in Anaheim.

Impact After Javier surrendered 18 earned runs on 21 hits and six walks over 10.2 innings across his last three starts, the Astros elected to skip his final turn through the rotation prior to the All-Star break. The Astros are hoping that the extended break allowed Javier to potentially address any mechanical flaws that may have affected his performance, as the team isn't ready to pull the plug on him as a starter in light of his strong track record for the majority of the last two seasons. Even with the recent rough patch, Javier still owns decent ratios (4.34 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 15.0 K-BB%) over his 17 starts in 2023.

JULY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't start before All-Star break Javier will not make another start before the All-Star break, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact Javier's next turn would be Saturday, but he'll be held back until the second half. The Astros have not revealed any sort of injury for Javier, but rather this seems more designed to give him some extended rest given his struggles lately. Javier has put up a 15.19 ERA with a 6:6 K:BB over 10.2 innings covering his last three starts.

JULY 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Next start TBA Javier might not make another start before the All-Star break, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Impact Javier's next turn would be Saturday against the Mariners, but it sounds like the team could opt to give him some extended rest around the All-Star break in light of his recent struggles. The right-hander has been touched up for a 15.19 ERA with a 6:6 K:BB over 10.2 frames covering his last three outings.

JULY 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles again Monday Javier did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing eight runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings against the Rangers. He struck out four.

Impact Javier has now allowed 18 runs over his last three starts, failing to make it through five innings in each. After pitching to a 2.90 ERA through his first 14 starts, Javier's ERA's ballooned to 4.34 with a 1.22 WHIP and 82:25 K:BB through 17 starts (91.1 innings) this season. The 26-year-old right-hander will try to right the ship in his next outing, tentatively lined up for next week against the Mariners.

JULY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles versus St. Louis Javier did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing six runs on eight hits and one walk over four innings against the Cardinals. He struck out one.

Impact After allowing four runs just once over his first 12 starts, Javier has now given up at least four in three of his last four appearances. During that stretch, he owns a 7.27 ERA and has more walks (nine) than strikeouts (six). Despite his struggles, Javier hasn't taken a loss since April 29 and continues to be bailed out by Houston's offense. As long as he's healthy, the right-hander should remain a prominent part of Houston's rotation, and he'll look to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled during a four-game set in Texas.

JUNE 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Can't find plate against Mets Javier didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 10-8 win over the Mets, surrendering four runs on four hits and five walks over 2.1 innings. He struck out one.

Impact It was a brutal outing for the right-hander, who needed 82 pitches (45 strikes) to record seven outs and issued a career-high five free passes, but the Houston offense quickly bailed him out. Javier's ability to keep the ball in the park has been his saving grace lately -- he has a 13:11 K:BB over his last five starts and 24.1 innings, but just a 3.70 ERA thanks to serving up only one homer during that stretch. He'll try to get back on track in his next trip to the mound, which is likely to come next week in St. Louis.

JUNE 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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JUNE 20, 2023

Tosses six scoreless innings Javier finished with a no-decision against Washington on Thursday despite pitching six scoreless frames. He allowed five hits and struck out two batters.

Impact All five hits against Javier went for a single, and he didn't issue any free passes for the third time this season. However, Houston didn't give him any run support, resulting in his second straight no-decision. This was the first time on the campaign that Javier has tossed a scoreless outing, though it was eighth quality start over 14 appearances. His strikeouts have been down lately -- the right-hander has notched just two in each of his past two starts -- but Javier has been consistently effective overall, posting a 7-1 record, 2.90 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 76:19 K:BB over 80.2 innings.

JUNE 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Settles for no-decision Friday Javier didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 10-9 extra-innings loss to the Guardians, giving up four runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out two.

Impact It was one of the shakier outings this season for the right-hander, and only the second time in 13 starts he's allowed more than three runs, but Javier still exited the game with the Astros ahead 5-4. A wild finish that saw the Houston bullpen blow five separate late leads before Cleveland finally won in 14 innings made sure Javier's five-game win streak was snapped, however. He'll take a 3.13 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 74:19 K:BB through 74.2 innings into his next start, likely to come at home next weekend against the Reds.

JUNE 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE