The Houston Astros will skip right-hander Cristian Javier's turn in the starting rotation this weekend against the Seattle Mariners in order to give him some extra rest with the All-Star break coming next week. Javier isn't dealing with any kind of injury that we know of, but he has allowed 18 runs on 21 hits (four homers) while walking six and striking out six in 10 2/3 innings over his last three starts. The 26-year-old Dominican hurler should return to Houston's rotation shortly after the All-Star break. On the year, he's gone 7-1 with a 4.34 ERA (4.27 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, 25 walks and 82 strikeouts in 91 1/3 innings over 17 starts in 2023.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker said that the team doesn't have their starting rotation set for the series against the Seattle Mariners this weekend, and he's unsure if right-hander Cristian Javier will pitch again before next week's All-Star break. Javier's next turn in the rotation comes up on Saturday, but the Astros may elect to give him some extra rest after giving up 18 runs on 21 hits (four homers allowed) while walking six and striking out six over 10 2/3 innings in his previous three starts. The recent rough patch has raised the 26-year-old's season ERA to 4.34 (4.27 FIP), while he's also sporting a 1.21 WHIP, 25 walks and 82 strikeouts in 91 1/3 total innings over his 17 starts. Even if Javier does pitch this weekend, fantasy managers might want to take a pass on him.

Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Cristian Javier survived only 4 1/3 innings with four strikeouts in Monday's 12-11 victory over the Texas Rangers. He allowed eight runs on nine hits, but was luckily tabbed with a no-decision. Despite being spotted with an early 6-0 lead, Javier completely faltered amidst an ugly afternoon after two clean opening frames. The 26-year-old has sacrificed 18 runs over his previous three appearances (10 2/3 innings). Javier's season ERA was 2.84 a month ago on June 3, but has since swelled to 4.34 after his last five starts. The righty will look to sharpen things up during a divisional battle with the Seattle Mariners slated for Saturday.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier fired six fine innings against the Chicago Cubs on the way to his fourth win of the season. He punched out five hitters, giving up only one run in the victory. The 26-year-old's deceiving breaking stuff has induced some of the highest chase rate in baseball this year, plus he's cut down on free passes which have been an issue for him in the past. Javier has permitted more than three runs just a single time across nine starts in 2023 so far. The right-hander has settled in as a true fantasy stalwart since debuting in 2020. Javier takes a 3.25 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 59-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio into a matchup with the beatable Milwaukee Brewers offense on Monday.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier picked up his second win of the season in Monday's 9-2 game against the Blue Jays. Javier pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with five strikeouts on 97 pitches. The 26-year-old has been inconsistent to this point, compiling a 3.68 ERA with a 7.77 K/9 rate and 1.64 BB/9 rate. He broke out last season serving as a full-time starter, so fantasy managers will hope for more starts like this. He will look to keep things going in a tough matchup at the Braves.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier looked strong in his World Baseball Classic debut for Team Dominican Republic Monday, pitching four scoreless innings in a 6-1 win over Team Nicaragua. Javier struck out four while allowing two hits and a walk. The 25-year-old took another successful step forward in his young career in 2022, going 11-9 with a 2.54 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 33.2% strikeout rate in 148 2/3 innings pitched. The Astros signed Javier to a five-year, $64 million contract extension this off-season, so it is clear that they expect him to play a key part in their rotation. Javier could prove to be a top fantasy pitching option if he can maintain his high strikeout rate while also taking on another innings jump.

Right-hander Cristian Javier signed a five-year, $64 million contract extension with the Houston Astros on Friday, according to sources familiar with the deal. The deal contains performance bonuses. The 25-year-old was excellent in his third MLB season in 2022, going 11-9 with a career-best 2.54 ERA (3.16 FIP), 0.95 WHIP and career-high 33.2 percent strikeout rate in 148 2/3 innings pitched over 30 outings (25 starts). He was even better in the playoffs on the way to winning a World Series title. Javier lives off of a fastball-slider combination that has been tough for hitters to adjust to. There will be regression in the ERA department in 2023 due to a very low BABIP last season, but Javier makes for a strong SP2/3 with upside heading into his fourth season.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier is "probably not" available to pitch in Game 6 of the World Series on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to pitching coach Josh Miller. Saturday is Javier's normal bullpen day, though, so Miller didn't totally discount Javier being able to give an inning of work. The Astros have left-hander Framber Valdez making the start, so the Astros may not even need much lengthy behind him if he continues to pitch well. Javier picked up the win and tossed six shutout innings while striking out nine in Game 4 of the World Series on Wednesday. He has allowed just one run on two hits while walking five and striking out 16 in 12 2/3 innings over his three postseason outings (two starts).

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier dazzled in Wednesday night's World Series Game 4, allowing no hits and two walks in six innings of work. Javier combined with three relievers to hold the Phillies hitless for the game. He struck out nine batters and took the win in the 5-0 victory to pull the series even at two. Javier has a 0.71 ERA and 0.55 WHIP with 16 strikeouts across 12 2/3 innings this postseason. It's possible he could make an appearance if the series reaches Game 7.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier will get the start in Game 4 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, according to manager Dusty Baker. Despite Game 3 being postponed from Monday to Tuesday this week, Baker will continue on with Javier instead of using veteran Justin Verlander on normal rest. Javier will be opposed by right-hander Aaron Nola in Philadelphia. The 25-year-old Dominican was great during the regular season and was dominant in his lone postseason start against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, when he tossed 5 1/3 shutout innings with five strikeouts in a win. He's allowed a solo home run while walking three and striking out seven in 6 2/3 postseason innings this year.

Houston Astros skipper Dusty Baker said the team is undecided about who will start Game 4 of the World Series if Game 3 on Monday is postponed due to inclement weather. If Monday's Game 3 is rained out, right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. will start on Tuesday. If Game 3 gets pushed back, right-hander Cristian Javier won't be guaranteed to start in Game 4. If we have a delay in the World Series, it would put ace Justin Verlander on regular rest for a potential Game 4 on Wednesday. However, Javier tossed 5 1/3 shutout innings against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, and Verlander's World Series struggles in his career are well-documented.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier was solid in Game 3 of the ALCS on Saturday, stifling the struggling New York Yankees offense. Javier threw 5 innings of shutout ball, allowing just a hit and three walks while striking out five. Although the 25-year-old has found himself out of the Astros rotation this postseason until today, he provides the team with yet another solid option should they find themselves in need of one. If the Astros advance to the World Series, Javier will likely make a start in the middle of the series. He could also see usage out of the bullpen if needed.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier will start Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Saturday against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. Lance McCullers Jr. will be pushed back to Game 4 on Sunday in New York. Javier will be making his first playoff start for the Astros in Game 3 after he gave up one run in 1 1/3 innings in relief against the Seattle Mariners in the AL Division Series. Because the 25-year-old hasn't made a start since Oct. 1, we shouldn't expect him to go very deep into the game on Saturday. He was great in two start (one win) against the Yankees in the regular season, allowing only one run on two hits while walking five and striking out 16 in 12 innings pitched against them.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier enjoyed another strong outing on Sunday. Javier limited the Baltimore Orioles to one hit in six shutout innings. He didn't walk any batters on the day and finished with eight strikeouts, 13 swinging strikes, and an excellent 36% CSW rate. He's now given up one run or fewer in seven of his last nine starts and has surrendered just four hits and four walks, with no earned runs, in his last 17 innings. For the season, the right-hander owns a 2.65 ERA, a 3.22 FIP, 187 strikeouts, and 50 walks in 142.2 innings of work. He's also registered 10 pitcher wins.

Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier earned the win on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The right-hander gave up four walks and a hit in five scoreless frames. He also struck out six batters on the day. Overall, he generated 17 swinging strikes on 90 pitches and logged a 30% CSW rate. Of his 17 swinging strikes, 13 came via his four-seam fastball. All told this season, the 25-year-old has pitched to a 2.77 ERA, a 3.34 FIP, 179 strikeouts, and 50 walks in 136.2 innings of work. He's made 28 appearances, 23 of which have been starts, for the Astros so far. Tuesday's win was his 10th of the year.

Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier was masterful Wednesday afternoon when his team edged out the Detroit Tigers 2-1. The right-hander threw six scoreless innings, striking out eight, walking none, and allowing just two hits to earn his ninth win of the season. Javier has made 22 starts this year while appearing out of the bullpen five times, producing a 2.87 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 173 strikeouts across 131.2 innings. He's one of many Astros starters with strong numbers, and he should remain a great fantasy asset as the season comes to an end.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier will get the start against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. Javier is rejoining the starting rotation with Justin Verlander (calf) going on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Dominican should be picked up in mixed leagues if he's on the waiver wire, as he's currently sporting a 2.97 ERA (3.44 FIP), a 1.01 WHIP and a 150:41 K:BB in 115 1/3 innings over his 24 appearances (19 starts) for the Astros in 2022. In his 19 games started, he's allowed 36 earned runs on 67 hits while walking 38 and striking out 129 batters in 101 innings pitched. For his strikeout upside alone, Javier deserves fantasy attention now that he's back in the rotation.

Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Cristian Javier is expected to shift back into a starting role soon, according to manager Dusty Baker. Javier was taken out of the Astros rotation for this turn, as the team wants to go with a five-man rotation for the time being. However, Javier will likely pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen to keep him on track for a return to the rotation. The 25-year-old certainly deserves a rotation spot from a performance perspective, as he has a 2.88 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 146/40 K/BB ratio over 112 IP. Hopefully, for fantasy managers, he gets his spot back as soon as possible.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier enjoyed a quality outing on Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians. Javier threw six innings against the American League Central club, allowing six hits and a run while striking out four batters. The only run he allowed came on a solo home run by catcher Luke Maile in the bottom of the fifth inning. Javier finished the outing with eight swinging strikes and a 23% CSW rate. For the season, the 25-year-old now owns a 3.14 ERA and a 3.42 FIP. He's given up 36 walks for Houston so far while logging 132 strikeouts.

Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier is opening the second half for his team on Thursday and will face the New York Yankees, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 25-year-old last pitched on July 13. Across 17 games this season, Javier has produced a 3.22 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 35.2% strikeout rate, and he's earned six wins over 13 starts. He hasn't had a good July, pitching to a 5.17 ERA but still has 31 strikeouts in 15.2 innings. The Yankees is a tough matchup, but Javier has too much upside to bench.