Houston Astros Pitchers Javier, Blanco, and McCullers Advance in Rehab

The Houston Astros’ starting rotation remains hampered by injuries, with Cristian Javier, Ronel Blanco and Lance McCullers Jr. all in various stages of recovery. Javier, on a Grade 2 right‑shoulder strain since early April, is pitching a limited rehab start in Triple‑A and could need one more outing before returning to the majors.

Blanco, who underwent Tommy John surgery after a UCL tear last season, completed a simulated game at the team complex in West Palm Beach, marking the final step before a possible Florida Complex League assignment next week. If progress continues, he could rejoin the major‑league staff shortly after the All‑Star break.

McCullers, also recovering from right‑shoulder inflammation, has only just begun throwing off a mound and faces a longer timeline before a major‑league comeback. The trio’s health is critical for the Astros, whose rotation currently posts the league’s worst ERA and sits three games behind a Wild‑Card spot.