Houston Astros reassign Cristian Javier to relief role

The Houston Astros plan to activate right‑hander Cristian Javier from the 60‑day injured list this weekend and deploy him as a reliever rather than a starter. After a Grade 2 shoulder strain kept him out for three months, Javier made five minor‑league rehab starts, allowing eight earned runs over 17 2/3 innings. “He’s not starting in the bullpen because of his performance in the minor leagues,” manager Joe Espada said, adding that the move could change later in the season.

Javier is in the fourth year of a five‑year, $64 million extension that carries a $12.8 million luxury‑tax salary, one of the highest on Houston’s payroll. The shift to the bullpen also reflects the Astros’ confidence in other arms such as Spencer Arrighetti and Mike Burrows, who have been handling longer outings in the rotation. The decision aims to give Javier a “typical reliever” role while preserving his health and giving the team flexibility moving forward.