Cristian

Javier

The A’s brought an unearned run in against Javier in the first inning on a double and an error. Two hits brought a run in to score in the fourth before Javier gave up one more in the fifth. His day would be done with two outs and a runner on in the inning. The inherited runner would eventually come in to score. The 28-year-old right-hander is in line to take a 4.62 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 34/15 K/BB ratio across 37 innings into Sunday’s regular season finale against the Angels in Anaheim.

After a few tough outings lately, it looked like Javier was setting himself up for more trouble early in this game. He let runners reach scoring position in each of the first three innings and coughed up an early 2-0 lead his lineup spotted him. Yet, he settled in after that and retired 10 of the last 11 batters he faced. His command was spotty throughout, but the Rangers seemed to bail him out by swinging at worse pitches as this game wore on. Still, a win is a win. He’s scheduled to face the Athletics in Sacramento next in what will likely be his final start of the regular season.

Javier would have been on four days’ rest Tuesday, so this will give him the extra day after he threw a season-high 87 pitches last week in his sixth start back from Tommy John. This would seem to take Colton Gordon out of the mix to start; he could have pitched Wednesday after throwing 60 pitches in relief Friday, but it’s doubtful he’d be a candidate to go long on three days’ rest on Tuesday. Whether the Astros go with a bullpen game or call up someone could depend on how tonight’s game goes.

Javier averaged 92.0 mph with his fastball today, which is his second blip since coming off the IL. He’s been in the 93.0-93.5 range in four of his six starts for the Astros, with the previous exception being when he came in at 91.1 mph in his second start last month. Hopefully, this one proves to be another aberration. Javier is now 1-3 with a 4.78 ERA in his return from Tommy John. He should face the Rangers next week.

Coming off six hitless innings against the Angels, Javier allowed six hits, walked three and struck out four tonight. His stuff has been pretty good since he came off the IL, but the 12 walks in 20 1/3 innings have been a problem. He seems like a bad play in mixed leagues with a road start in Toronto due up next.

Javier gave up no hits, walked three and struck out six. The 28-year-old right-hander hadn’t thrown more than five innings or 85 pitches in his first three starts this year. Javier was able to go six innings for the first time on just 85 pitches and the results were spectacular. He should be in lineups for his next start against the Angels at home next week.

Javier got himself into some trouble to start the first inning, walking the first two batters before a pair of hits put three runs on the board for the Orioles. A throwing error and two more walks loaded the bases for Ryan Mountcastle in the second inning, who knocked a base hit to drive in two runs. Javier’s day would be done after two frames at 65 pitches. The 28-year-old right-hander will look for better results when he takes on the Angels in Houston next Saturday.

Javier checked out fine after exiting last Sunday’s start against the Orioles early due to illness. The 28-year-old righty has allowed just three runs with a 7/2 K/BB ratio across eight innings (two starts) since making his season debut back on August 11. There’s some definite streaming appeal, even at hitter-friendly Camden Yards, for fantasy purposes.

It’s technically not official yet, but all signs point to Javier being ready to take the ball later this week, most likely on Friday or Saturday, against the Orioles. The 28-year-old righty was lifted from Sunday’s start against Baltimore after just 50 pitches due to illness. He’s already rejoined the team after staying behind for further evaluation and should be ready to roll in a couple days.

Javier left his second start back from Tommy John surgery after just 50 pitches (34 strikes) over three innings. He allowed one run on three hits and notched three strikeouts. There’s a good chance he’s ready to make his next start on Friday, which would be a rematch against the Orioles at Camden Yards.