The Houston Astros are getting closer to reuniting their once-dominant starting rotation as key arms Cristian Javier, Ronel Blanco, and Lance McCullers Jr. progress through their rehab programs. With the team just three games out of a Wild Card spot, the return of these pitchers could provide a much-needed boost to a rotation that ranks among the worst in baseball.
The Astros’ starting pitching has struggled this season, posting a fourth-worst 9.6% K-BB rate and a 5.02 ERA, which ranks 29th in the majors. Manager Joe Espada confirmed that Javier, Blanco, and McCullers are all making progress in their respective recoveries. Among the three, Javier is the closest to a return, with a projected timeline for late June. After just three starts in the 2024 season, Javier allowed 13 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings, walking nine while striking out only four batters.
Javier’s 2020–2023 performance told a different story. He posted a 3.57 ERA over 466 1/3 innings, striking out 28.1% of batters. However, a June 2024 Tommy John surgery has kept him sidelined, and he has a 5.22 ERA in 81 innings since the start of 2024. His return could allow Houston to demote struggling starters like Mike Burrows, who has a 5.87 ERA in 14 starts this season.
Blanco, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, threw 40 pitches in a simulated appearance and could begin a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League soon. In 2024, Blanco posted a 2.80 ERA in 167 1/3 innings, earning 2.2 fWAR. Though his 3.97 xERA suggests some luck, his return is still a positive development for the Astros. Blanco has less than three years of service time and is under team control through 2029.
McCullers is the furthest from a return, having only begun throwing off a mound. At 32, he has thrown just 142 1/3 innings since the start of 2022 and is a free agent after the season. His health and ability to stay on the mound will be the primary focus.
Catcher Yainer Díaz will catch for Javier’s rehab start at Triple-A today. Díaz, who has been out since early May with a left oblique strain, could rejoin the Astros for the home series against the Tigers. Díaz was hitting .238/.255/.347 prior to his injury, with a wRC+ of 63, though he was closer to average in 2025 with a 92 wRC+. Christian Vázquez has not matched that production in Díaz’s absence.
Javier is scheduled to pitch three innings at Triple-A and may need one more start before returning to Houston. The Astros will monitor his progress closely as they prepare for the second half of the season.
The Astros have several off-days in July and August, giving them flexibility to manage a five-man rotation. With key players nearing returns, the team's playoff hopes could gain momentum. The next step is watching Javier’s rehab start and how the rest of the rotation responds in the coming weeks.
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