Houston Astros
PITCHER HEALTH
Preseason 2026 injury analysis, durability risk profiles, and return timelines for the Houston Astros pitching rotation.
ROTATION OUTLOOK
Houston's rotation was decimated by Tommy John surgeries in 2025, with six pitchers undergoing elbow procedures. Brown and Valdez anchor a depleted staff relying heavily on depth pieces and post-surgery returns.
KEY PITCHERS
Hunter Brown
RHP • #1 Starter
Injury History
No major injuries. 180+ IP in 2025. Emerging ace.
Durability Risk Profile
Brown served as Houston's ace in 2025 with excellent durability. His clean injury history and heavy workload make him the Astros' most reliable arm.
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Framber Valdez
LHP • #2 Starter
Injury History
Generally durable. Second-half decline in 2025. Workload fatigue concerns.
Durability Risk Profile
Valdez has been durable throughout his career but showed second-half fade in 2025. Cumulative innings may be catching up.
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Cristian Javier
RHP • #3 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (prior). 37+ IP post-return in 2025. Post-TJ effectiveness shown.
Durability Risk Profile
Javier returned strong from Tommy John surgery late in 2025. While he's shown effectiveness post-recovery, his surgery history means moderate durability risk.
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