Javier left a recent start due to illness but rejoined the Astros; his next turn is undecided, keeping Houston's rotation in flux as they navigate a heavy schedule and McCullers' return. Javier's health and availability will influence how Houston sequences its starters on the Baltimore trip.

Javier returns from the injured list and carried one run allowed in three innings in his latest start, a sign of his improving health. Houston’s rotation will lean on him to stabilize, while the bullpen’s burst or collapse can swing a blowout and alter late-game decisions.

Javier returned with a solid five-inning start and a favorable ceiling in a rest-of-season stretch. Not the pure ceiling of Bieber, but he’s a strong two-start play with strikeouts and a chance to fuel a run of good starts, albeit with some volatility around pace and depth of the arsenal.

Javier is back from an August rust period, showing the Astros intend to ramp him up for a playoff run. His big-picture upside sits in a high-strikeout ceiling and a rotation role, but expect some rough outings as he rebuilds timing. A measured, rest-of-week plan could unlock his rest-of-season value for those willing to ride the volatility.

Cristian Javier’s inclusion on the 40-man roster prompted Neris and Hummel’s moves. Javier remains a core piece for the Astros, with the roster decision signaling continued trust in his role and depth within Houston’s rotation and bullpen plans.