Astros Place Pitching Ace, Outfielder on IL

Cristian Javier and Jake Meyers sidelined with shoulder, oblique injuries

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:23am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Injuries to key players test the Astros' depth as they aim to repeat as World Series champions.Houston Today

The Houston Astros have placed starting pitcher Cristian Javier and outfielder Jake Meyers on the injured list due to right shoulder and oblique strains, respectively. The team has recalled right-hander J.P. France and outfielder Taylor Trammell from Triple-A to fill the roster spots.

Why it matters

The Astros are dealing with multiple injuries to key players in their starting rotation and outfield, which could impact their performance and chances of defending their 2022 World Series championship. Javier and Meyers were important contributors last season, so their absences will test the team's depth.

The details

Javier, who posted a 2.54 ERA in 25 starts last year, was removed after one inning on Wednesday due to shoulder tightness. He has struggled early this season, allowing 13 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings. Meyers, a 2025 breakout player who hit .292 with 16 steals, was also injured in the same game with a lower back issue. To replace them, the Astros have recalled France, who started 23 games for the team in 2023, and Trammell, a journeyman outfielder.

  • On April 5, Astros ace Hunter Brown was placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain.
  • On April 6, Cristian Javier was removed from his start after one inning due to right shoulder tightness.
  • On April 6, Jake Meyers was removed from the same game with a lower back injury.

The players

Cristian Javier

A 25-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who was a breakout star in 2022, posting a 2.54 ERA in 25 regular-season starts and going 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in the postseason.

Jake Meyers

A 26-year-old outfielder for the Houston Astros who had a career-high .292 batting average with 16 stolen bases in 2025.

J.P. France

A right-handed pitcher who started 23 games for the Astros in 2023, posting an 11-6 record and 3.83 ERA.

Taylor Trammell

A journeyman outfielder who has played for the Mariners, Dodgers, and Yankees, and joined the Astros in 2025, hitting .197 in 52 games.

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What they’re saying

“We must find ways to overcome these injuries and keep our championship defense on track.”

— Dusty Baker, Manager, Houston Astros

What’s next

The Astros will monitor the progress of Javier and Meyers' injuries and provide updates on their timelines for return. The team will rely on France and Trammell to help fill the roster spots in the short term.

The takeaway

The Astros' early-season injury woes highlight the challenges of defending a World Series title, as they must now navigate the absences of key contributors Javier and Meyers while also dealing with the loss of ace Hunter Brown. The team's depth will be tested, but their championship pedigree should help them weather these setbacks.