Astros’ Jose Altuve, Cristian Javier receive crucial injury updates on Saturday

The Houston Astros received important injury updates Saturday, with Jose Altuve and Cristian Javier both moving closer to returns. Altuve’s progress offered the more encouraging immediate outlook, while Javier’s rehab plan gave Houston a clearer timeline for a starter trying to reset after a difficult opening stretch.

Altuve started the 2026 season off well, producing multiple multi-hit games in late March and early April while pushing his average above .330. His production cooled through May, however, as several hitless games dragged his OPS into the .620 to .700 range before he landed on the 10-day injured list.

Saturday’s work gave the Astros an encouraging sign. Altuve took batting practice, ran the bases, and fielded ground balls, showing progress in several areas. The next step will test whether the veteran infielder’s timing has returned enough for him to rejoin Houston without first playing in a short rehab stint.

Javier’s situation carries a different set of questions. He has struggled across 9.1 innings this season, going 0-1 with a 12.54 ERA, a 2.36 WHIP, and four strikeouts. Opponents have hit .351 against him, and his walk rate has reached 18.8 percent.

The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reported the latest on X, formerly Twitter, after manager Joe Espada outlined the next steps for both players.

“Cristian Javier’s next step will be a minor-league rehab start, Joe Espada said. Jose Altuve is trending toward not needing one at all. Altuve took BP today, ran the bases and fielded ground balls. The Astros will have him face some live pitching in the next couple days.”

Cristian Javier's next step will be a minor-league rehab start, Joe Espada said. Jose Altuve is trending toward not needing one at all. Altuve took BP today, ran the bases and fielded ground balls. The Astros will have him face some live pitching in the next couple days

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 30, 2026

For Javier, a rehab start gives the team an opportunity to evaluate his command, stamina, and ability to handle game speed before returning him to the rotation. For Altuve, live pitching could determine how quickly he rejoins the lineup.

The Astros still need both players to respond well, but Saturday’s news gave the club a more defined path toward getting two important pieces back. With Houston only 3.5 games ahead of the last-place Los Angeles Angels, a quick rebound remains necessary to avoid slipping further in the AL West.

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