The bad news just keeps coming for your Houston Astros on this young season. On the same weekend they got Justin Verlander back from the IL, starting pitcher Cristian Javier went to the IL with neck discomfort. Joe Espada said they placed him on the IL to give him more time.
The Astros could get Framber Valdez back this week if he feels well, after throwing a 30-pitch bullpen on Saturday. The good news for Houston is they have an off day this week on Monday and Friday, so they could go Arrighetti, JP France and Verlander up in Chicago vs the Cubs.
Javier was off to a red hot start this season, going 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA and 18 strikeouts in four starts.