Cristian Javier Takes the Mound as the Astros Look to Keep Rolling

The Houston Astros have been on a roll lately, taking three straight series wins, first in the Bronx, then in Queens, and most recently against the White Sox at home. Now they continue their homestand, and up next, they face the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Arizona Diamondbacks @ Houston Astros

7:10 PM CT | Daikin Park

Arizona enters at 74-67, while Houston sits at 72-69, holding onto the top spot in the AL West.

Here is a look at the pitching matchup:

For the Astros:

Cristian Javier (1-5, 6.45 ERA, 42 SO) gets the ball for Houston. It's been a rough season for Javier. A Grade 2 shoulder strain put him on the IL for months back in April, and he still hasn't quite looked like himself since returning. The velocity's there, but the deception and movement that made him effective in the past hasn't fully come back yet.

For the Diamondbacks:

Merrill Kelly (9-12, 5.08 ERA, 95 SO) takes the mound for the Diamondbacks. It's been an inconsistent season for the veteran right-hander. But he delivered one of his best starts of the year in his last outing against the Giants, exactly the kind of stability Arizona's tired pitching staff needed at the time.

Astros lineup:

Diamondbacks lineup:

The Astros have real momentum, and they finally look like they're using it. But the Diamondbacks are a tough matchup, competitive, with a slightly better record. The Astros have proven all season they can beat teams that look better on paper, though.

Four consecutive series wins is something this team hasn't come close to all year. Pull it off, and the season could end up looking like nothing anyone could have predicted in the spring.

It all starts on the mound, though, and Javier hasn't been the guy Houston needs lately. He hasn't looked like himself since coming off the IL. Tonight's a chance to change that.

Either way, it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. Can the Astros keep the streak going?