The news of both Cristian Javier and José Urquidy needing right elbow surgery comes as a devastating blow to the Houston Astros. With the team already struggling at the start of the season, losing two key pitchers is not ideal for their chances of rebounding. General manager Dana Brown confirmed that both Javier and Urquidy will undergo surgery, with the possibility of Tommy John surgery looming over them. This news will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Astros’ pitching rotation for the remainder of the season.
The absence of Javier and Urquidy for the entire season will undoubtedly be felt by the Astros. The recovery time for pitchers undergoing Tommy John surgery typically ranges from 12-18 months, meaning that both players will likely miss part of next season as well. This puts a significant strain on the Astros’ pitching depth, as they were already dealing with injuries to Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers. However, Brown remains optimistic about the team’s rotation, pointing to the young players who have stepped up in their absence.
Despite the setbacks, Dana Brown remains positive about the Astros’ rotation moving forward. With star pitchers like Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez leading the way, Brown believes that the young players filling in for Javier and Urquidy are capable of performing well. Players like Hunter Brown, Spencer Arrighetti, and Ronel Blanco have shown promise in their recent outings, giving Brown confidence in the team’s ability to weather the storm of injuries.
The injuries to Javier and Urquidy have not changed Brown’s approach leading up to the trade deadline on July 30. He emphasized that the team is always in the market for pitching to bolster their depth, regardless of injuries. Brown’s experience in baseball has taught him the importance of having a strong rotation throughout the long and grueling season. He stressed the need to continuously add to the team’s depth, rather than waiting for things to fall apart before seeking solutions.
Player Histories and Future Prospects
José Urquidy, who has not pitched this season due to a right forearm strain, has had his fair share of injury woes in the past. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017 and made his MLB debut two years later. Despite his setbacks, Urquidy has shown promise on the mound, boasting a 27-16 record with a 3.98 ERA in his career. On the other hand, Cristian Javier has been a solid contributor to the Astros’ rotation, with a 3-1 record and a 3.89 ERA this season. His experience and consistency will be sorely missed during his recovery from right forearm discomfort.
The injuries to Cristian Javier and José Urquidy present a significant challenge for the Houston Astros as they look to turn their season around. However, with a strong core of pitchers and promising young talent, the team remains optimistic about their prospects moving forward. The impact of these injuries will be felt throughout the season, but the Astros are confident in their ability to overcome adversity and continue to compete at a high level.