Good news for Houston Texas: He is back

Houston Astros Starter Prepared for Comeback Season
This Houston Astros pitcher is set to rebound from problems in 2023.

The Houston Astros were successful last season despite one of their best pitchers having the worst season of his young career.

When you consider the previous injuries the Astros have suffered, including those to starting pitchers Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr., 2024 might be a rebound season for the franchise, particularly one returning starter.

Cristian Javier pitched all of 2023 but struggled, recording a 4.56 ERA and a 4.58 FIP. He still had a 10-5 record.

In 2022, Javier pitched 148.2 innings with a 2.54 ERA, striking out 194 batters and ending 11-9.

So, what harmed Javier last season? He gave up a career-high 25 homers and 62 walks. He did throw a career-high 162 innings, although he has been more efficient in those categories in past seasons.

Walks and extra-base hits are a recipe for catastrophe, which is exactly what Javier experienced.

Javier had a good start last season. He had a 2.90 ERA through his first 14 starts. Then his ERA rose as his home run and walk rates increased.

This season is about returning to the pitcher he was in 2022, which entailed reflecting on what didn’t work a year ago and, more importantly, focusing on what did work two years ago, according to MLB.com.

“I learned from it and moved forward and keep trying to improve,” Javier stated.

According to Astros pitching coach Bill Murphy, Javier looks terrific and is on track to have his best season yet.

Despite Javier’s struggles, the Houston Astros advanced to the American League Championship Series. A sharp Javier might be a game changer as the Astros look to return to the World Series.