The Houston Astros announced their starting pitchers for the first three spring training games, with Cristian Javier scheduled to make his spring debut on Tuesday in an exhibition game against Team Venezuela. This game will take place in Houston and represents the only matchup the Astros will have against a World Baseball Classic team before the tournament begins. Meanwhile, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, a native of Venezuela, will not participate in this particular game.
Although Cristian Javier is from the Dominican Republic, he is not representing his home nation in the WBC. The Astros have planned Monday’s opening game to be started by Hunter Brown, with Colton Gordon, who is vying for a rotation spot, slated to start on Wednesday, according to MLB.com’s report on probable starters.
Javier’s Gradual Return Following Surgery
Cristian Javier is following a cautious approach returning to form after undergoing Tommy John surgery, having pitched only 15 regular-season games since the start of 2024. His slow ramp-up is designed to avoid setbacks as he works back to full strength. At the end of last season, he started eight games, recording a 2-4 record with a 4.62 ERA while striking out 34 and walking 15 over 37 innings.
Before his injury, Javier was a dependable figure in Houston’s rotation. In 2022, he had an impressive season with an 11-9 record and a 2.54 ERA over 30 appearances, including 25 starts, accumulating 194 strikeouts in 148.2 innings. His contributions helped the Astros secure their second World Series title. The 2023 season saw Javier make 31 starts with a 10-5 record and a 4.56 ERA, compiling 159 strikeouts in 162 innings.
Astros Plan Six-Man Rotation Amidst Deep Pitching Options
The Astros are preparing to open the season with a rarely used six-man rotation, motivated by both the challenging early schedule and the depth of pitching talent on their roster. Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier are considered secure rotation members, alongside newly signed Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
Beyond this trio, Houston has multiple candidates competing for the remaining spots, including Colton Gordon, Brandon Walter, Jason Alexander, Spencer Arrighetti, Lance McCullers Jr., Nate Pearson, Ryan Weiss, Miguel Ullola, AJ Blubaugh, and Mike Burrows. Ullola stands out as one of Houston’s top prospects yet to debut in the majors.
Implications for the Astros’ Season Outlook
Javier’s return to competitive pitching during spring training serves as a critical milestone for both the player and the Astros’ rotation plans. His performance in the WBC exhibition and subsequent starts will provide insight into his readiness and durability after surgery. This measured approach reflects the Astros’ broader strategy to manage a deep bullpen while adapting to an intense early season schedule.
With the rotation spots still in flux, the Astros are likely to rely on spring games to determine who solidifies the roster, balancing experience and promising talent. How Javier and other contenders perform may shape Houston’s pitching staff dynamics as they aim to sustain their competitive edge in the upcoming regular season.
Some pregame notes from Port St. Lucie:
– Brown starts tomorrow, Javier on Tuesday vs. Venezuela and Gordon on Wednesday.
– Meyers and Lucas Spence will be in lineup tomorrow.
– Yordan Alvarez will make spring debut tomorrow
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 1, 2026
