DENVER — The Houston Astros’ injury situation went from bad to worse Wednesday afternoon at Coors Field, as starting pitcher Cristian Javier and center fielder Jake Meyers both exited the team’s 9-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies within minutes of each other—and Carlos Correa missed his second consecutive game due to illness.
Javier was pulled during his warmup pitches before the second inning with right shoulder tightness. He had completed one inning, allowing one run on three hits while striking out one, before motioning to the dugout after a warmup pitch. Manager Joe Espada and a trainer came out, and Javier walked off. Notably, AJ Blubaugh was already warming in the bullpen before Javier even took the field for the second inning, suggesting the Astros were aware something was off. No diagnosis has been announced.
The shoulder issue is particularly alarming given Javier’s history. The 28-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2024 and made just eight starts in his return last season. He signed a five-year, $64 million extension before the 2023 season and was counted on as a key rotation piece in 2026.
Meyers left in the middle of an at-bat in the top of the second inning with lower back tightness, tweaked on a check swing. He took a practice swing and stayed in the game briefly before a second check swing tightened the area further and Espada removed him. Meyers said afterward he will return to Houston for imaging, a sign that an injured list stint may be forthcoming.
If Meyers lands on the IL, the Astros’ options are limited. Outfield prospect Zach Cole is sidelined with a fractured toe, and Zach Dezenzo has not played this season due to a right elbow injury sustained in the WBC. Shay Whitcomb is the only healthy position player on the 40-man roster not currently on the active roster. Taylor Trammell, who is not on the 40-man but can play all three outfield positions and appeared in 52 games for Houston last season, may be the most logical option. Brandon Walter and Hayden Wesneski, both recovering from Tommy John surgery, could be transferred to the 60-day IL to open a 40-man spot.
Correa, meanwhile, missed his second straight game due to being under the weather. Espada said pregame that Correa was at Coors Field and hoped to be available, but he did not play. The Astros are off Thursday before opening a four-game series in Seattle on Friday.
It has been a devastating week for Houston’s roster. Hunter Brown was placed on the 15-day IL on Sunday with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain and has been told to refrain from throwing for a few weeks. The 13-game stretch without an off-day that begins Friday in Seattle is shaping up to be a severe test of the organization’s depth.
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