Astros' Cristian Javier works through mechanics in second spring training outing

The right-hander, who had Tommy John surgery in 2024, is still regaining his feel on the mound as he prepares for the upcoming season.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier, who had Tommy John surgery in 2024, struggled with his mechanics in his second spring training outing against the St. Louis Cardinals. Javier threw 52 pitches over 1 2/3 innings, with three walks and three strikeouts. He said he needs to focus on repeating his mechanics to get ready for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Javier's recovery from Tommy John surgery is crucial for the Astros, as he is expected to be a key part of their starting rotation this season. The team is closely monitoring his progress and working with him to iron out any mechanical issues during spring training.

The details

In his second spring training outing, Javier's four-seam fastball averaged 91.7 mph, down from 92.9 mph last year. While he struck out the side in the first inning, he also walked two batters. Astros pitching coach Josh Miller worked with Javier between innings to try to help him improve his mechanics.

  • Javier had a solid two-inning outing in his spring training debut last week, throwing 30 pitches against Team Venezuela.
  • In his second outing on Monday, Javier threw 52 pitches over 1 2/3 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The players

Cristian Javier

A 29-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros who is recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2024.

Josh Miller

The pitching coach for the Houston Astros, who worked with Javier between innings to help him improve his mechanics.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who said Javier's stuff looked good but he struggled to find the strike zone.

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What they’re saying

“I think I was a little bit inconsistent with my mechanics so I want to focus on repeating my mechanics towards home plate.”

— Cristian Javier (Houston Chronicle)

“I thought the stuff looked good, just struggled finding the zone. I know in between innings, Josh gave him a couple cues mechanically trying to get him sequenced. But it's early and I think he's just working through some things.”

— Joe Espada, Astros manager (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Javier likely will get two more starts in Florida before the Astros open the season with a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at the end of the month.

The takeaway

Javier's recovery from Tommy John surgery is a key focus for the Astros this spring training, as they work with him to improve his mechanics and get him ready for the upcoming season. The team is confident that he will be able to work through his current issues and be a valuable part of their starting rotation.