The Astros arrived in Seattle carrying the bruises of a difficult Tuesday, and by Wednesday the roster had changed in several directions. Cristian Javier went on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 2 strain in his right groin, Brice Matthews joined the 10-day IL because of inflammation in his left knee, and shortstop Jeremy Peña was held out with a sore right forearm.
| Astros roster note | Figure | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Cristian Javier | 15-day IL | Grade 2 right groin strain |
| Brice Matthews | 10-day IL | Left knee inflammation |
| Javier in September | 1.96 ERA | 18 1/3 innings over four starts |
| Josh Hendrickson at Triple-A | 9-7, 4.75 ERA | 106 strikeouts in 113 2/3 innings |
Houston purchased the contract of Josh Hendrickson and recalled Lucas Spence to cover the openings. Spence was placed in center field for Wednesday’s game against the Mariners, batting eighth. Jake Meyers, absent since Sept. 6, was transferred to the 60-day IL.
“We keep moving forward,” manager Joe Espada said before first pitch. “You’ve seen us. We’re not going to stop. We’re going to continue to fight. That’s who we are. We’re going to keep moving forward.”
Javier’s September run interrupted
Javier exited Tuesday’s start after two scoreless innings. He initially believed he could take his next turn, but the groin injury will require more patience. Espada said the nature of the strain meant the right-hander would need time.
The timing also has a postseason consequence. Should Houston reach October, both Javier and Matthews would be unavailable for the American League Wild Card Series. Matthews can be activated on Oct. 3, the opening day of the ALDS, while Javier would not be eligible until Oct. 8.
Javier had already worked through one interruption this season, missing time after three starts with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain. Since returning July 4, he has made 14 appearances, including nine starts, and posted a 3.86 ERA. His recent work had been especially sharp: four September outings, 18 1/3 innings and a 1.96 ERA.
Matthews and Peña take a step back
Matthews was injured while sliding for a Josh Naylor fly ball in the right-center alley during the second inning Tuesday. He remained in the game for four more innings, finishing 1-for-2 with a walk before Nelson Velázquez replaced him in center in the sixth.
It is the second left-knee IL trip of the season for the 24-year-old. He previously suffered a sprain after colliding with the wall at Globe Life Field in Houston’s July 12 game against Texas. Imaging this time showed no structural damage, though Espada said the knee had considerable swelling. Matthews has batted .201 across 84 games.
Peña took a 96.4 mph sinker off his forearm Tuesday. He stayed in after trainers checked him and later came home on Yordan Alvarez’s 41st homer of the year, but was removed defensively the following inning. X-rays taken after the game were encouraging, yet the forearm remained sore Wednesday. Nick Allen filled in at shortstop and hit ninth.
Daulton Varsho also missed a third consecutive game because of a wrist problem. Espada said the outfielder has been making slow progress, but baseball activity continues to cause the wrist to tighten up.
“There’s still some stiffness in that wrist,” Espada said. “Any time he does baseball activity, it stiffens up on him.”
Hendrickson gets his long-awaited call
Hendrickson’s arrival gives Houston a fresh arm capable of covering innings after the bullpen logged heavy work Tuesday. Bennett Sousa, Miguel Ullola and Logan VanWey each threw two innings among four relievers used.
The 29-year-old from Perth, Australia, has taken an uncommon route to the majors. He played at three colleges in three seasons, then Philadelphia selected him in the 38th round of the 2019 Draft. After four years in the Phillies’ organization, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. He pitched independent ball in 2025, returned home to join the Adelaide Giants in January, worked three innings for Australia in the World Baseball Classic, and signed a Minor League contract with Houston in April.
“It’s been a journey, alright,” Hendrickson said. “It’s been all over.”
He spent the full season at Triple-A Sugar Land, appearing in 23 games and making 19 starts. His final regular-season outing came Sunday, when he started and threw 46 pitches over three innings.
Espada made clear that Hendrickson was not summoned merely to wear a uniform in Seattle. “It’s important for him to embrace this moment,” the manager said. “We’re going to use him. There’s a reason he’s up here. We believe he can get people out down the stretch.”
