Bennett

Sousa

Javier will operate in a bulk relief capacity behind opener Bennett Sousa. The 29-year-old allowed three runs over four inning against the Athletics last weekend. It probably makes some sense to have him come in after an opener since he’s worked beyond the fifth inning just once in four starts since returning to Houston’s rotation earlier this month.

Sousa fortifies Houston’s left-handed relief depth heading into Monday’s series opener against the Marlins after missing nearly three months recovering from elbow inflammation.

This qualifies as an encouraging update after Sousa hit the injured list with elbow inflammation. The 31-year-old lefty should make it back to Houston’s relief mix at some point later this month.

He had just five appearances before being placed on the IL in early May with elbow inflammation. This doesn’t impact Sousa’s timeline to return at all, but it does clear a 40-man spot for the return of Cristian Javier.

Sousa heads back to the shelf after just five appearances since being activated for his season debut back on April 25. There should be a clear return timeline at some point in the coming days. There’s obviously a wide range of potential outcomes when it comes to elbow issues.

Sousa’s return should provide an immediate lift for Houston’s bullpen, which has been an unmitigated disaster with a bloated 5.94 ERA this season, which is the second-worst in the entire majors. The 31-year-old lefty missed the first month of the season recovering from an oblique strain after posting a sparking 2.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 59/15 K/BB ratio across 50 2/3 innings last year. There’s a chance he gets a look in upcoming save situations until closer Josh Hader is back from the injured list, which gives him sneaky appeal in deeper fantasy leagues.

Sousa was a key component of Houston’s high-leverage mix last year and appears to be getting close to returning after opening the season on the shelf with an oblique strain. The 30-year-old southpaw should be cleared for a minor league rehab assignment at some point soon.

Sousa was one of the bright spots for Houston’s bullpen last year, posting a sparking 2.84 ERA — 2.88 xERA — 1.03 WHIP and 59/15 K/BB ratio across 50 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old southpaw should make it back to the Astros’ high-leverage mix at some point in the next few weeks.

Sousa figured to be a left-handed option for the Astros if he made the roster after allowing a run in three innings of Grapefruit League action. He had a 2.84 ERA for the Astros in 50 2/3 innings last year and should be quickly back on the roster after his rehab as long as this injury isn’t more serious than it sounds.

Sousa pitched 50 2/3 innings for the Astros in 2025 before being sidelined with a low-grade flexor/pronator strain. The 30-year-old recorded a 2.84 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 59/15 K/BB ratio and will continue to be a key part of the Astros’ bullpen.