Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier will get Tommy John surgery on Thursday. The Astros have not yet confirmed the news, which The Athletic first reported.
Javier, who has been absent since May 27, searched for a second opinion on his right forearm this week. Dr. Keith Meister examined him, and recommended surgery. The Athletic reports.
Last week, Javier could not throw a scheduled bullpen session and joined the injured list for the second time this season. He was out from April 21-May 11 previously due to neck pain.
Javier needing surgery is the latest blow for an Astros team that has received a series of bad news lately. Right-handy José Urquidy is looking for a second diagnosis on his right forearm. While Houston has refused to comment on his status, it has been widely reported that he might get surgery, too.
This leaves the Astros with no option than to keep navigating the campaign with a stretched out rotation hosting Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and Spencer Arrighetti.
In his last three starts in May before his injury, Javier permitted 11 runs, spanning 11 ⅓ innings. Six days after his last outing on May 21, the Astros placed him on Injury List, stating pain in his right arm.
Javier signed a five-year extension contract worth $64 million with Houston in the spring of 2023. He is earning $7 million this season and is set to earn $10 million in 2025, $21 million in 2026 and 2027.
