Astros' Cristian Javier Returns to Spring Training

Right-hander set to start Sunday's Grapefruit League game after brief absence

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cristian Javier, a right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros, is set to start Sunday's Grapefruit League game after a brief absence from the team's spring training camp due to a personal matter. Javier last pitched on March 9, throwing 52 pitches over 1 ⅔ innings.

Why it matters

With less than two weeks until opening day, the Astros are working to line up their starting rotation, and Javier's return to the mound will help keep him on track as the team determines their initial starting five.

The details

Manager Joe Espada confirmed that Javier will start Sunday's game, keeping him on his regular turn after his previous Grapefruit League outing. The Astros are still discussing whether opening day starter Hunter Brown will pitch in another game before his March 26 start against the Angels. Lance McCullers Jr. is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Pirates, while Tatsuya Imai will pitch in a minor-league game that day.

  • Javier last pitched on March 9, throwing 52 pitches over 1 ⅔ innings.
  • Javier is set to start Sunday's Grapefruit League game.

The players

Cristian Javier

A right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros.

Hunter Brown

The Astros' opening day starter.

Lance McCullers Jr.

A pitcher for the Houston Astros.

Tatsuya Imai

A pitcher for the Houston Astros.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Astros have not determined whether they will open the season in a five- or six-man rotation, but Javier, Brown, Imai, and Mike Burrows are projected to hold spots regardless.

The takeaway

Javier's return to the mound is an important step for the Astros as they finalize their starting rotation ahead of opening day, with the team still working to determine the exact makeup of their pitching staff for the start of the season.