Scott Polacek @@ScottPolacek Featured Columnist IV June 4, 2024
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The Houston Astros will reportedly be without starting pitcher Cristian Javier for at least the rest of the 2024 season.
Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Javier needs Tommy John surgery on his elbow injury and will undergo the procedure on Thursday. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister recommended the surgery, which could sideline the right-hander for 12 to 14 months.
Rome noted Javier went on the injured list in mid-April with what was deemed “neck discomfort” and returned after 18 days.
However, he struggled upon his return with velocity that “plummeted during his final outing on May 21.” The team placed him back on the injured list just three days after that with what was then described as “right forearm discomfort.”
Forearm concerns are worrisome for pitchers, and this is a difficult development for both the 27-year-old and the team.
Pitching injuries have been a pattern for the Astros, as Luis García, Lance McCullers Jr., José Urquidy and Framber Valdez are among those who have missed time this season. Justin Verlander also started the season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
The injury concerns have contributed to a disappointing start to the season for the 27-34 Astros, who are in third place in the American League West and seven games behind the first-place Seattle Mariners.
Houston has made the playoffs in each of the last seven years during a span that includes two World Series titles, four World Series appearances and six division crowns, so it is not accustomed to playing at such an inconsistent level.
Javier is yet another injury the team will have to overcome.
He was at best for the Astros during the 2022 season with a 2.54 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 194 strikeouts in 148.2 innings across 30 appearances. He was also brilliant in the postseason that year with an 0.71 ERA, 0.55 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 12.2 innings.
Javier had a 3.89 ERA in seven appearances this season.
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