Astros Place Javier and Meyers on Injured List

The Houston Astros placed starting pitcher Cristian Javier on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain and outfielder Jake Meyers on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain on Friday, following injuries both players sustained during Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies in Denver.

Javier, who pitched just one inning in that game, allowed one run and struck out one batter before exiting during warmups prior to the second frame. He motioned toward the dugout after a single warmup pitch, prompting a brief visit from manager Joe Espada and the training staff. Reliever A.J. Blubaugh replaced him but surrendered five runs in the second inning. Javier entered the season with a 0-1 record and a 12.54 ERA over three starts, marking a challenging beginning after a strong 2023 campaign.

Meyers, the team's primary center fielder, departed mid-at-bat in the top of the second inning against Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen. Facing a 2-2 count, Meyers checked his swing, grabbed at his side, and received attention from trainers before Brice Matthews pinch-hit and singled. Initially described as lower back tightness, the injury was later diagnosed as an oblique strain....