Even though people were claiming for the Astros to use Cristian Javier as a starter, the young right-hander began the 2022 season as a bullpen arm. Exactly three months ago and after three appearances as a reliever, Javier was inserted into the Astros’ starting staff on April 27 as the team carried a six-man rotation until Jake Odorizzi got injured.
Fortunately, the move has paid off big time for Houston and Javier has proved he has what it takes to start. Since April 27, Javier owns a 3.48 ERA over 75 innings with 103 punchouts while opponents are hitting .