Astros Counting on Javier's Comeback to Anchor Rotation

Cristian Javier's return from elbow surgery is key for Houston's pitching staff after losing Framber Valdez in free agency.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:31pm

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The Houston Astros are hoping that right-hander Cristian Javier can regain the form he showed in his breakout 2022 season, when he started two combined no-hitters, including one in the World Series. Javier missed significant time over the past two seasons due to elbow surgery, but the Astros believe he can be a stabilizing force in their rotation after the departure of workhorse Framber Valdez.

Why it matters

With Valdez leaving in free agency, the Astros' rotation lacks experienced starters, making Javier's comeback crucial. The team is counting on him to anchor the staff and provide the kind of production he delivered in 2022, when he was a key part of Houston's World Series championship team.

The details

Javier posted a 4.56 ERA in 31 starts in 2023, then pitched in only 15 major-league games over the next two seasons due to the elbow surgery. He returned last August and had uneven results, but his fastball velocity was encouraging, averaging 92.9 mph after dipping to 91.7 mph in 2024. Javier says he spent the offseason working on his mechanics and delivery, and he feels healthy and ready to regain his pre-surgery form.

  • Javier returned to the Astros' rotation in August 2025 after a 15-month absence.
  • Javier signed a five-year, $64 million extension with the Astros in the spring of 2023.

The players

Cristian Javier

A right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros who is looking to bounce back after missing significant time due to elbow surgery.

Framber Valdez

A former Astros pitcher who led the team in innings pitched each of the last four seasons before signing a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers this offseason.

Dana Brown

The general manager of the Houston Astros, who has expressed optimism that Javier can regain his 2022 form and be a key part of the team's rotation.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who believes Javier can be "that one guy" who can make a big difference for the team's pitching staff.

Hunter Brown

A Houston Astros pitcher who is the only starter in camp to have exceeded 100 innings in the majors last season.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's that one guy that, if we can see the Javi we saw in 2022, it'd be huge for our club. And I think we can get him there.”

— Joe Espada, Manager, Houston Astros (Houston Chronicle)

“With every outing, my confidence started to grow. And with every outing and every repetition I started getting to the point where I wanted to be and to the point where I was before the surgery.”

— Cristian Javier (Houston Chronicle)

“Yeah, we were used to him. He was a lot of fun. He was a great person to have in the clubhouse, a very fun guy to have in the clubhouse. We always had a good time together. But thankfully he was able to get a job and he was able to get that contract for him and his family. We're still in communication, but yeah, he's going to be missed in the clubhouse.”

— Cristian Javier (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Javier will look to build on his strong finish to the 2025 season and cement his spot in the Astros' rotation during spring training.

The takeaway

The Astros' hopes for a successful 2026 season hinge in part on Cristian Javier's ability to regain the form that made him a key contributor to their 2022 World Series championship team. If he can do so, he could provide much-needed stability and experience to a rotation that is otherwise lacking in proven major-league starters.