MLB
Why Cristian Javier requires Tommy John surgery?
The Houston Astros’ starting pitcher will have surgery on Thursday to alleviate the discomfort he has experienced in his right elbow over the past few days.
The Houston Astros’ starting rotation has been plagued with injuries throughout the 2024 season, the most recent being Cristian Javier. The right-handed pitcher has been sidelined since May 21 due to discomfort in his right elbow and has decided that Tommy John surgery is the best path to getting healthy again.
Based on a report by Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the 27-year-old Dominican baseball player will undergo surgery this Thursday by orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister. Javier had made seven starts this season with a 3-1 record and a 3.89 ERA after allowing 15 runs in 34.2 innings of work.
The Dominican’s loss joins those of his compatriot Luis García, the Mexican José Urquidy, and the American Lance McCuller Jr. For now, the Astros rotation consists of Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and Spencer Arrighetti.
In February 2023, Javier signed a five-year, $64 million contract extension with the Houston organization. According to Spotrac, the pitcher received seven million dollars in cash for the 2024 campaign and 10 million for 2025.
When will Cristian Javier throw again?
Rehabilitation from elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery has an estimated recovery time of at least 12 months. This means Javier could return to the mound at the end of the 2025 Major League Baseball season.