INJURY NEWS

Houston Astros put Cristian Javier on injured list

Astros Cristian Javier
Javier is headed to the IL. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.

Houston Astros right-handers Cristian Javier and José Urquidy will each undergo an MRI after both experienced forearm discomfort.

Javier was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday. Urquidy was pulled early from his rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land last Friday. Houston manager Joe Espada said before Monday night’s series opener in Seattle that both pitchers will get an MRI on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Javier threw four innings and gave up a season-high eight hits in his most recent start against the Angels last Tuesday. It was his third start since missing 18 games earlier this season with neck discomfort. Javier skipped his scheduled bullpen Sunday because of the discomfort in his right forearm.

Urquidy was making his third rehab start for Sugar Land when he was pulled after 3 2/3 innings. He has yet to pitch in the majors this season due to forearm discomfort.

Houston recalled right-hander Alex Speas from Sugar Land to take Javier’s roster spot. The Astros also recalled first baseman José Abreu from Sugar Land and had him in the lineup at first base against the Mariners. The 2020 AL MVP started the season hitting .099 with three RBIs in 22 games before accepting a demotion to the minors.

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The Texans can make a statement with a win against Detroit!Composite Getty Image.

Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.

The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.

CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.

If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.

Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.

What's working in the Texans' favor?

They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.

Bulls on Parade

We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.

And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.

X-factors

The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.

Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.

Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.

What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?

The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.

An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.

What does Vegas think?

The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.

Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!


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