Houston Astros set return date for injured starter Cristian Javier

Cristian Javier, as expected, will return for the Houston Astros when they take on the Detroit Tigers this weekend at Comerica Park.

The Astros established their pitching odds for the three-game series and entered Javier for Saturday’s game. The right-hander is not yet activated. Houston will have to act before Saturday’s game to put him back on the 26-man roster.

Javier (2-0, 1.54 ERA) has not pitched in a Major League game since April 14 against the Texas Rangers, when he earned his second victory after pitching seven innings and allowing five hits and two deserved points.

He was scratched from his next start against the Chicago Cubs on April 21 due to right neck discomfort. After that, he flew to Houston to meet with team doctors and was placed on the 15-day injured list two days later.

He returned to the mound during a bullpen session on April 28, followed by a start to rehab on Saturday when he pitched 3.1 innings with Double-A Corpus Christi. He threw his most recent bullpen Wednesday in New York as the Astros faced the New York Yankees to begin a road trip.

Javier will face Detroit starter Tarik Skubal (4-0, 1.90), who is off to a fantastic start to the season.

Houston placed Javier between two of its best pitchers. Southpaw Framber Valdez (1-1, 3.97) will start the opener against Detroit’s Casey Mize (1-1, 3.98). Valdez spent time earlier this season on the injured list.

Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (1-1, 4.43) will start Sunday’s finale against right-hander Jack Flaherty (0-2, 3.86).

Javier’s return should provide a boost to Houston, which still has José Urquidy on the 15-day injured list. He is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment this weekend as he continues his recovery from a right forearm strain.

The Astros also have two starters on the 60-day injured list: Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr.