{"id":125159,"date":"2026-07-04T13:44:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T17:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=125159"},"modified":"2026-07-04T13:44:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T17:44:35","slug":"astros-injury-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/07\/04\/astros-injury-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Astros Injury Updates: Javier Activated, Others Nearing Returns"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Houston Astros received a string of positive updates and a boost to their pitching staff<\/a> this week, activating Cristian Javier<\/a> from the injured list while also watching two other key starters, Lance McCullers Jr.<\/a> and Ronel Blanco<\/a>, continue making steady progress through their rehab assignments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the updates on the trying-to-get-healthy Astros:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cristian Javier Activated<\/b><\/h3>\n

Javier was officially reinstated ahead of Houston’s three-game tilt with the Tampa Bay Rays, marking his return after missing nearly three months with a Grade 2 shoulder strain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Javier will initially work out of the bullpen as Houston eases him back into major league action, a role the Astros believe best suits both Javier’s recovery and the club’s current pitching needs, as they continue to search for bullpen help before the trade deadline.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Houston\u2019s decision to work Javier back through the bullpen is also likely out of caution after Javier also returned earlier this year from Tommy John surgery, hoping that a relief role will allow him to regain confidence and return to ace-like form<\/a> before potentially inserting him back into the rotation in the second half of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

His activation comes at an important time for Houston, which has spent much of the season shuffling its pitching staff due to injuries. Even if Javier is used in shorter outings for now, adding his experienced arm provides flexibility as the dog days of the season begin approaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lance McCullers Jr. On Track<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Astros are also inching closer to welcoming McCullers Jr. back to the major league rotation. The veteran right-hander made a strong rehab start this week with Sugar Land, allowing one run over four innings while striking out three.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through two rehab outings, McCullers has looked sharp, allowing just one earned run across seven innings while showing improved command after struggling with walks during the early part of the season before his injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lance McCullers in his rehab start for Sugar Land:<\/p>\n

4 IP | 4 H | 1 R | 1 ER | 1 BB | 3 K<\/p>\n

He threw 60 pitches, 41 for strikes. He topped at 92.8 MPH with his sinker. #Astros<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/8oLt4b0s3q<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Astros Future (@AstrosFuture) July 2, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n