Astros RHP Cristian Javier returns after Tommy John surgery

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier returns from Tommy John surgery in a start against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Monday night.
Javier hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 21, 2024. He underwent surgery the following month.
The 28-year-old Javier became a franchise World Series hero for the ages when he was part of Houston’s combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the 2022 Fall Classic. He struck out nine and walked two in six innings before three relievers finished up for just the second no-hitter in World Series history.
Don Larsen of the New York Yankees tossed a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1956 World Series.
Javier went 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in three appearances (two starts) during the 2022 postseason. He struck out 16 and allowed just two hits in 12 2/3 innings.
Javier was also part of a combined no-hitter against the New York Yankees during the 2022 regular season. He struck out 13 in seven innings before two Houston relievers completed the gem.
Javier is 33-18 with a 3.59 ERA in 116 appearances (82 starts) in five seasons with the Astros.
Houston designated outfielder Cooper Hummel for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Javier. The Astros also recalled outfielder Jacob Melton from Triple-A Sugar Land and optioned left-hander Colton Gordon to the same affiliate.
Hummel, 30, hit .l72 with three homers and seven RBIs in 36 games for Houston, while the 24-year-old Melton hit .206 with six RBIs in 13 big league games earlier this season. Gordon, 26, was 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA in 13 starts and one relief appearance.