Latest news with #CristianJavier
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. activated off IL, set to start against Cubs
HOUSTON (AP) — Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is set to start for the Houston Astros on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs after the team activated him from the 15-day injured list. McCullers was placed on the injured list June 13. After missing two full seasons because of a right flexor tendon surgery, McCullers is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in seven starts this season, but he compiled a 3.20 ERA in his last five starts with 35 strikeouts over 25 1/3 innings. McCullers' return is welcome news for an Astros rotation that has lost Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco for the rest of the season because of surgery and has been without Spencer Arrighetti since April after he suffered a broken right thumb during a batting practice accident. Houston is also without right-handers Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier, who are still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Despite being short-handed, the Astros entered Saturday with a 6 1/2-game lead in the American League West. Their 3.41 team ERA is tied for fourth best in the majors. The Astros optioned right-hander Nick Hernandez to make room on the roster for McCullers. ___ AP MLB:
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Astros desperately looking for 1 specific upgrade ahead of deadline
The Houston Astros entered 2025 hoping for relevance, but injuries have tested their resolve every step of the way. As it stands, the Astros have seven starting pitchers on the injured list, four recovering from dreaded Tommy John surgery. That alone would cripple most MLB clubs. Advertisement Cristian Javier, J.P. France, Luis Garcia, and Spencer Arrighetti headline the rotation's walking wounded, a painful blow to their depth. Ronel Blanco and Lance McCullers joined them recently, while Hayden Wesneski is also sidelined, making it a full-blown rotation crisis. Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Yet somehow, the Astros haven't collapsed. They've stitched together a rotation that's doing more than just surviving. It's thriving. Houston has crafted a surprising five-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West, despite its laundry list of injuries. They've relied on creativity, timely bullpen work, and some overachieving arms to navigate the rough waters of June baseball. Advertisement But while the pitching puzzle has been MacGyvered into working shape, the lineup tells a different story. Yordan Alvarez Injury Exposes Lineup Imbalance The most glaring issue lies in the batter's box — or more specifically, in the hands that grip from the left side. With Yordan Alvarez out due to a hand fracture, the Astros have just one consistent left-handed presence in their lineup. Switch-hitter Victor Caratini is currently the only lefty option, and he's more of an MLB average hitter than a cornerstone bat. The rest of the starting lineup is exclusively right-handed, making the offense predictable and easier to match up against. Advertisement Without Alvarez's thunder from the left side, Houston has lost its offensive symmetry and become far too reliant on righties. It's like a basketball team trying to drive only to the right — eventually, defenses will adjust and shut it down. The lack of left-handed production is now front and center in trade conversations, as GM Dana Brown made clear this week. Astros Exploring Trade Market for Left-Handed Power Appearing on SportsTalk 790 AM, Dana Brown didn't sugarcoat his deadline wish list. The top item? A left-handed bat. 'There are other things we'd like to add,' Brown said, 'but a left-handed hitter is the big issue.' Advertisement His frankness speaks volumes — this isn't a minor inconvenience, it's a lineup deficiency that must be addressed. The Astros have always prided themselves on a balanced, deep order that forces pitchers into uncomfortable matchups. But right now, teams are feasting on right-on-right battles, neutralizing what should be a potent Houston offense. Adding a lefty threat would reshape how pitchers attack them. A well-timed trade could turn the offense, which entered Monday ranked 11th in wRC+ with a 106 mark, into a more dangerous, unpredictable beast down the stretch. Who Could the Astros Target Before July 31? The trade market isn't overflowing with lefty bats, but a few names could entice Houston if the price is right. Advertisement The Arizona Diamondbacks are highly unlikely to part with Ketel Marte, but Josh Naylor might be another story if they fall out of contention. Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images The Baltimore Orioles could be open to trading Cedric Mullins for the right package of prospects and players ready for MLB, even though he will likely generate a lot of league-wide interest. If the Astros decide to go for a cheaper alternative, maybe the Miami Marlins' Jesus Sanchez could be an option. Of course, much depends on Alvarez's recovery timeline. But things are murky regarding his injury and return to full health. Houston knows its championship window remains open, but injuries are threatening to slam it shut from both sides. Advertisement Brown and the front office have no choice but to act — the division lead can vanish quickly without reinforcements. Grit Is Not Enough — Houston Needs Balance Credit to the Astros for showing toughness through adversity, but grit only gets you so far in a marathon season. If Houston wants to remain a serious postseason threat, they need to add firepower, not just lean on resilience. They've patched the pitching. Now it's time to rebalance the lineup and restore the left-right equilibrium. Without another left-handed bat, the Astros risk getting exposed in October — when every matchup is magnified. And for a team built on precision and matchup advantages, that imbalance could be the crack that breaks the dam. Advertisement READ MORE: MLB insider mentions three potential Kyle Tucker suitors in free agency Related Headlines
