Overview
- Cristian Javier faced live hitters in batting practice on Friday and reached 91–92 mph, and the team plans a minor-league rehab start for him on Wednesday to test his command and stamina.
- Jose Altuve returned to on-field batting practice, took ground balls and ran the bases on Saturday and could face live pitching in the next few days with a chance to skip a minor-league rehab assignment if he responds well.
- Closer Josh Hader completed back-to-back Triple-A rehab outings for biceps tendinitis and, according to manager Joe Espada, is very close to rejoining the major-league club, possibly next week.
- The Astros are treating each case day by day with stepwise milestones—live BP, live pitching, then rehab games—and have not set firm return dates because each player’s timeline depends on how he responds to the next step.
- Team doctors and staff are using Hunter Brown’s similar shoulder recovery as a reference point and remain cautious about re-injury risks, especially with oblique strains and shoulder sprains that can require multiple rehab starts before a safe return.