Astros place pitcher Cristian Javier on injured reserve, recall Jose Abreu from minors

SEATTLE (AP) — Houston Astros right-handers Cristian Javier and José Urquidy will each undergo MRIs after both experiencing forearm discomfort.

Javier was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday. Urquidy was pulled early from his rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land last Friday. Houston manager Joe Espada said before Monday night’s series opener in Seattle that both pitchers would have MRIs Tuesday.

Javier, 27, pitched four innings and allowed a season-high eight hits in his most recent start against the Angels last Tuesday. It was his third start since missing 18 games earlier this season with neck soreness. Javier was unable to show up at his scheduled enclosure on Sunday due to discomfort in his right forearm.

Urquidy was making his third rehab start for Sugar Land when he was removed after 3 2/3 innings. He has yet to compete in major tournaments this season due to forearm discomfort.

Houston recalled right-hander Alex Speas from Sugar Land to take Javier’s place. The Astros also recalled first baseman José Abreu from Sugar Land and placed him in the lineup at first base against the Mariners. The 2020 AL MVP started the season hitting .099 with three RBIs in 22 games before accepting a demotion to the minors.