Fantasy News

• Astros' Cristian Javier: Continues strong start

  Rotowire Apr 14, 2024

  Javier (2-0) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks to earn the win Sunday over the Rangers. He struck out five. Javier needed just 89 pitches to complete seven innings, throwing 62 for strikes to earn the win in his longest outing of the season. Javier's command had been a bit shaky going into Sunday's outing, walking eight batters over 10.1 innings during his previous two starts. However, he's provided a much-needed boost to the short-handed Astros rotation, allowing just four earned runs for a 1.54 ERA over his first four starts spanning 23.1 innings. He'll have a chance to improve upon those numbers even further in his next start as he's tentatively slated for a weekend matchup against the Nationals in Washington.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Pitches into sixth versus Royals

  Rotowire Apr 10, 2024

  Javier pitched 5.1 innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out four batters in Tuesday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Royals. Javier was able to extend his scoreless streak to 15 innings to open the 2024 campaign by blanking the Royals through four frames Tuesday. The right-hander ran into trouble in the bottom of the fifth inning, surrendering a two-out. two-run triple to Bobby Witt before another unearned run came around to score later in the frame. Through three starts, Javier has produced a 1.10 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 13 strikeouts over 16.1 innings. He's tentatively set to return to the mound Sunday at home versus the Rangers.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Extends scoreless streak Wednesday

  Rotowire Apr 4, 2024

  Javier (1-0) earned the win over Toronto on Wednesday, allowing one hit and issuing five walks while striking out three batters over five scoreless innings. Javier threw only 51 of his 97 pitches for strikes and issued five free passes, but he kept the Blue Jays off the scoreboard by allowing just one hit. It was the second straight scoreless outing for the right-hander, who tossed six shutout frames against the Yankees in his 2024 debut March 29. Javier isn't likely to have this level of success with such poor control often, but he's getting the job done so far this season after struggling to a career-worst 4.56 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 31 starts last year.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Lined up for regular season

  Rotowire Mar 18, 2024

  Javier will start the second game of the regular season against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Justin Verlander (shoulder) will begin the season on the injured list, forcing each of Houston's pitchers to move one slot up in the rotation. That leaves Framber Valdez in line to start Opening Day with Javier to follow one game later. Javier will be looking to bounce back from a subpar 2023 campaign during which he posted a 4.56 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 162 innings.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Struggles to control runners

  Rotowire Mar 3, 2024

  Javier allowed two stolen bases and was slow to the plate during his Grapefruit League outing Saturday against the Cardinals, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Javier pitched well in some regards, as he didn't allow a hit while striking out three and walking two across three scoreless innings of work. However, manager Joe Espada has prioritized limiting stolen bases this spring, which Javier struggled to do last season when he surrendered 22 swiped bags. If he continues to struggle in that area, opposing teams could get even more aggressive on the basepaths in 2024.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Trims down 15 pounds

  Rotowire Feb 22, 2024

  Javier told reporters Thursday that he lost 15 pounds over the offseason, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Javier believes the added weight last season contributed to his mechanical issues and inconsistency. His ERA went from 2.54 to 4.56 and strikeout rate from 33.2 percent to 23.1 percent year-over-year. Javier hopes that by trimming down over the winter he can better lock in his mechanics and get back to what made him a breakout performer in 2022.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Gets nod for Game 3 of ALCS

  Rotowire Oct 16, 2023

  Javier has been confirmed as the starting pitcher for Game 3 of the ALCS against the Rangers, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 reports. Javier will be tasked with helping his club dig out of an 0-2 hole after Houston dropped both games at Minute Maid Park. The right-hander struggled with his command and issued five free passes during Game 3 of the ALDS against the Twins (five walks), but he managed to toss five scoreless innings on just one hit allowed while fanning nine batters.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Confirmed for Game 3

  Rotowire Oct 8, 2023

  Javier will start Game 3 of the ALDS at Minnesota on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez were chosen to start the first two games of the series, and Javier will take the mound for Houston's road opener of the playoffs. The right-hander posted a career-worst 4.56 ERA in 31 starts this season, though he finished the campaign on a strong note with six scoreless innings at Arizona last weekend.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Turns in scoreless outing

  Rotowire Oct 1, 2023

  Javier (10-5) yielded three hits and two walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out four and earning a win over Arizona. Javier allowed just one extra-base hit and never found himself in much danger Sunday, cruising to his 10th victory. It was his first win since Aug. 21 and first scoreless appearance since June 15. Despite posting a 2.84 ERA through his first 12 starts, Javier ended the regular season with a disappointing 4.56 ERA through 162 innings. In 11 starts since the beginning of August, he recorded a 5.00 ERA.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Handed fifth loss

  Rotowire Sep 27, 2023

  Javier (9-5) allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out six over 4.2 innings to take the loss Tuesday versus the Mariners. Javier was tagged for two runs in the third inning and two more before his exit in the fifth. This was his fourth straight outing of no more than five innings, and he's gone six straight starts without a win. The right-hander is at a 4.67 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 155:60 K:BB through 156 innings over 30 starts this season. Javier may not start again in the regular season since the Astros have just four games left, though he'd be available on regular rest by the last game of this weekend's series versus Arizona if Houston manages to secure a playoff spot before then.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Logs 11 strikeouts in no-decision

  Rotowire Sep 20, 2023

  Javier did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing a run on three hits and two walks over five innings in a 2-1 victory over the Orioles. He struck out 11. After allowing a run in the opening frame, Javier would rebound to blank the Orioles over his final four innings, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts. Though he's now gone three consecutive outings without a quality start, it was a positive performance from Javier, who'd struggled to a 6.28 ERA in his previous six starts (28.2 innings). Overall, the right-hander is 9-4 with a 4.64 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 149:57 K:BB across 29 starts (151.1 innings) this season. Javier's currently lined up to face the Mariners on the road early next week in what will likely be his final regular-season outing.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Comes up short in K.C.

  Rotowire Sep 16, 2023

  Javier (9-4) took the loss Friday, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over five innings as the Astros fell 4-2 to the Royals. He struck out six. Single runs by Kansas City in the third, fourth and fifth innings -- the latter two on solo shots by Nelson Velazquez and Bobby Witt -- proved to be too much for the Houston offense to overcome, and Javier got the hook after 81 pitches (52 strikes). The right-hander has served up at least one homer in nine straight outings, a stretch in which he has a rough 5.68 ERA and 1.47 WHIP despite a 44:22 K:BB through 44.1 innings. Javier will try to get back on track in his next start, likely to come at home next week against the Orioles.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Struggles in four-inning outing

  Rotowire Sep 10, 2023

  Javier allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings in a no-decision against San Diego on Saturday. Javier got through three frames without allowing a run before things fell apart in the fourth. In that inning, the right-hander surrendered four runs on three hits and a pair of walks, with a Jurickson Profar two-run homer being the big blow. Javier didn't return to the mound for the fifth, marking his second four-inning start over his past three contests. Walks have been an issue in both of those outings -- he issued six free passes Aug. 28 against Boston. Javier held a 2.90 ERA through his first 14 starts of the season, but that mark has jumped to 4.78 due to an ugly 7.27 ERA over his subsequent 13 appearances.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Turns in quality start

  Rotowire Sep 3, 2023

  Javier (9-3) allowed three runs on four hits and struck out eight without walking a batter over six innings, taking the loss versus the Yankees on Sunday. Javier cruised through five innings, but he allowed three hits, including a two-run home run to Jasson Dominguez, in the sixth, which flipped the game around. This was a baseline quality start for Javier, his first such effort since July 28. The right-hander struggled to a 6.17 ERA and 16:16 K:BB over 23.1 innings in August. For the year, he's posted a 4.65 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 127:51 K:BB through 137.1 innings over 26 starts. Javier is projected for a home matchup versus the Padres next weekend.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Struggles through four frames

  Rotowire Aug 28, 2023

  Javier allowed four runs on six hits and six walks over four-plus innings in Monday's win over Boston. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision. Javier coughed up two runs in the first inning followed by Adam Duvall's two-run shot in the fifth. Over his last 11 starts, Javier has produced an unsightly 7.46 ERA and 43:32 K:BB. His season ERA has jumped to 4.66 across 131.1 innings. Javier's next outing is lined up to be on the road against the Rangers next week.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Earns win with lackluster outing

  Rotowire Aug 21, 2023

  Javier (9-2) allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings Monday, striking out three and earning a win over Boston. It wasn't Javier's cleanest outing but he looked sharper after coughing up a three-run shot in the first inning. He produced a 2.90 ERA through 14 starts to begin the year but owns an ugly 7.33 ERA over his last 10 outings. He's now sporting a 4.52 ERA with a 115:45 K:BB through 127.1 frames. Javier's next outing is lined up to be in Detroit this weekend.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Struggles in no-decision

  Rotowire Aug 15, 2023

  Javier did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and a walk over 4.2 innings against the Marlins. He struck out two. Javier hadn't allowed more than three runs in a start since July 3, pitching to a 4.44 ERA over his previous five outings. After holding the Marlins off the board in the first inning, the 26-year-old Javier allowed at least one run in each of his subsequent four innings before he was pulled in the fifth after throwing 95 pitches. Overall, Javier's 8-2 with a 4.49 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 112:42 K:BB across 23 starts (122.1 innings) this season. He'll look to bounce back in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week against Boston.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Finally back in win column

  Rotowire Aug 10, 2023

  Javier (8-2) picked up the win in Wednesday's 8-2 victory over the Orioles, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out three. Incredibly, Javier's last win came all the way back on June 3, as over his prior nine starts he'd gone 0-1 with a 6.91 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. Homers have been his biggest concern of late, as the right-hander has served up nine in his last 34.2 innings -- including a two-run shot by Austin Hays on Wednesday -- but he was able to avoid any other damage in this one. Javier will attempt to put together an actual win streak in his next outing, likely to come early next week in Miami.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Lasts 4.2 innings vs. Yankees

  Rotowire Aug 4, 2023

  Javier did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings in a 4-3 loss to the Yankees. He struck out four. Javier was tagged for three runs on back-to-back homers in the first inning, though he'd ultimately settle down and blank the Yankees over his final 3.2 frames. Javier has pitched better of late, holding opponents to three runs or fewer in his last four outings after struggling to a 9.14 ERA in his prior five starts. Overall, his ERA sits at 4.39 with a 1.21 WHIP and 107:38 K:BB across 21 starts (112.2 innings) this season. Javier's currently in line for a road matchup against the Orioles in his next start.

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• Astros' Cristian Javier: Confirmed as Thursday's starter

  Rotowire Aug 2, 2023

  Astros manager Dusty Baker confirmed Wednesday that Javier will start Thursday's series opener at Yankee Stadium, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Javier has been getting an extra day of rest between his recent string of starts and the Astros can continue with that model as they prepare to welcome back Jose Urquidy (shoulder) and trade-deadline acquisition Justin Verlander. Hunter Brown will work Friday's game in New York and then Urquidy and Verlander should slot in Saturday and Sunday.

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