Cristian Javier Exits Early as Astros Face Mariners With Groin Injury
The short version
- Cristian Javier left Tuesday's start in Seattle after two scoreless innings with right groin tightness
- Miguel Ullola relieved Javier beginning in the bottom of the third inning
- Houston's bullpen is also without Steven Okert and Enyel De Los Santos, both unlikely to return in the regular season
- The Astros entered the day one game behind the Rangers in the AL West, before Texas lost to the Mets
- Javier carried a 5.31 ERA into the start but a 2.20 ERA over his previous three outings
The Houston right-hander departed after two innings Tuesday in Seattle, forcing the bullpen to cover the opener of a key two-game set.
Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier was removed from Tuesday's start against the Seattle Mariners because of right groin tightness, the club announced. The outing came in the first game of a two-game series at Seattle as the regular season entered its closing week.
Before departing, Javier worked two shutout innings on 45 pitches. Houston built a 4-0 advantage in the top of the third, and Miguel Ullola took the mound in relief in the bottom half of that frame after warming during the inning.
The early departure put added strain on a Houston bullpen already missing veteran relievers Steven Okert and Enyel De Los Santos, neither of whom is expected back from the injured list before the end of the regular season.
Javier came into the night with a 5.31 ERA in a season shortened by injury, though he had pitched to a 2.20 mark across his previous three starts. A significant groin problem could affect his readiness for the postseason, should the Astros qualify.
Houston began the day a game behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West, before Texas lost to the Mets. The club has six games remaining, and Javier's exit may force adjustments to the pitching plans over the next five days.