The Houston Astros enter the final stretch before the All-Star break with some welcome reinforcements on the way—and a few more roster decisions to sort out.
Javier Back Friday
Cristian Javier will be activated off the injured list Friday ahead of the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Joe Espada confirmed Wednesday, marking his first appearance with the club since being placed on the IL in April with a Grade 2 shoulder strain. He will return as a reliever rather than rejoining the rotation. A corresponding roster move had not been announced as of Wednesday.
The move is not necessarily permanent, Espada said, but reflects the current makeup of the rotation and the upcoming schedule. Javier was sharp in his rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land, finishing with a scoreless six-inning outing in his final start.
“Right now, the way we’re lining things up, that’s what’s best for our team and best for Javi,” Espada said.
Javier is in the fourth year of a five-year, $64 million extension and has pitched primarily as a starter since 2022. He has major league experience as a reliever, however—he worked out of the bullpen for much of 2021 and was a rotation standout in 2022, including a World Series combined no-hitter.
Teng to Bullpen
Kai-Wei Teng, placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to June 28 with a right knee sprain, will transition to a full-time bullpen role when he returns. Teng will throw a bullpen session Monday and pitch in Florida Complex League games as he recovers. He is eligible to return July 17.
Teng started the season as a reliever before joining the rotation in mid-May, making 10 starts and posting a 4.36 ERA across 64 total innings.
Peña Progressing
Jeremy Peña, placed on the 10-day IL Tuesday with a left calf strain, completed a pregame workout Wednesday that included light running and ground balls. Espada said Peña could run bases this weekend and remains hopeful for a short stint.
“I still feel like it’s going to be a short IL stint,” Espada said.
Sousa Nearing Rehab Assignment
Left-hander Bennett Sousa faced hitters in live batting practice Wednesday, a step toward returning from elbow inflammation. If he responds well, Espada said Sousa could begin a minor league rehab assignment within the next week.
McCullers, Blanco, Wade Progressing
Lance McCullers Jr. made his second rehab start July 1 for Triple-A Sugar Land, working four innings and allowing one earned run. Ronel Blanco made his third rehab start the same day for Double-A Corpus Christi, working into the fifth inning. LaMonte Wade Jr. played his first rehab game at Triple-A Sugar Land on June 30, going 1-for-3 at first base.
