Josh Hader, Cristian Javier, and Hunter Brown are all nearing their returns from the IL. When they get back, the Astros pitching staff could look like a completely different unit.
The Houston Astros IL list has been growing since before opening day and a large number of their injuries were pitchers, leaving them with a constantly thinning pitching staff. Two months into the season the Astros should see some of their key pitchers back on the mound. Here is a list of the top three Astros pitchers that will be back before you know it, per MLB.
No. 1 Josh Hader (LHP Reliever)
Hader was put on the IL on March 25 for left biceps tendinitis. He was later transferred to the 60-day IL on April 17. After a long journey of recovery, Hader is just about done with his rehab assignment. He pitched 1.0 inning yesterday at Triple-A Sugar Land, allowing two runs (zero earned) on one hit. The runs were unearned due to a fielding error, though he did surrender a 2-run home run.
Hader is the clutch closer they have been missing all season. Bryan Abreu stepped into the closer role in Hader's absence but has been struggling to close out games. With Hader back in the bullpen, the Astros pitching staff could be a different animal.
No. 2 Cristian Javier (RHP Starter)
Javier was placed on the IL on April 10 with a grade 2 right shoulder strain and transferred to the 60-day IL on April 20. As of now he is expected to return in June and is scheduled to throw live batting practice May 29, making it the first time he has faced a hitter since suffering the strain. Javier is a top starter and having him back in the mix will be a boost for their pitching staff.
No. 3 Hunter Brown (RHP Starter)
Brown, who was supposed to be the anchor of the staff, landed on the IL on April 5 with a grade 2 right shoulder strain. After almost two months on the IL, Brown is scheduled to make his second minor league rehab start at Triple-A Sugar Land on May 29. He threw two scoreless innings May 24 for Double-A Corpus Christi, and if he can build on that at Triple-A, his return to the majors could be right around the corner.
Losing three key pieces of their pitching staff has been a major factor in the Astros' slow start. That said, a few pitchers have risen to the occasion, with Spencer Arrighetti being the most pleasant surprise of the season. With Hader, Javier, and Brown returning and guys like Arrighetti, McCullers, and Burrows holding things together, the Astros pitching staff could look completely different in the second half of the season.
On top of that, Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert, and Alimber Santa combined for the first no-hitter in MLB since 2024, proving that this pitching staff is capable of putting together historic performances even in the middle of a challenging season.
As key pitchers start to return to the staff, the Astros' biggest hurdle may become their strongest asset.
