Cristian Javier will make his spring training debut today when the Astros host Team Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic exhibition at their West Palm Beach complex. It will mark his first appearance in game action since returning from Tommy John surgery last August.
The exhibition serves as Houston’s lone matchup against a WBC squad before the tournament begins later this month and provides a meaningful checkpoint in Javier’s recovery.
Javier underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024 after making just a handful of starts that season. He returned late in 2025 and made eight starts down the stretch, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA over 37 innings as he worked his way back into form.
Before the injury, Javier had established himself as one of Houston’s most important postseason arms. Signed as an international free agent in 2015, he debuted in 2020 and emerged as a key contributor during the Astros’ 2022 championship run. He famously started the combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series against Philadelphia.
Houston is counting on Javier to play a significant role in 2026. With Framber Valdez no longer in the rotation, the Astros need stability behind Hunter Brown and Tatsuya Imai. Javier’s health and effectiveness will go a long way toward determining the ceiling of the staff.
Jose Altuve, a Venezuela native, will not participate in the exhibition. Astros bench coach Omar López, who manages Team Venezuela, will be in the opposing dugout.