It is safe to say that Cristian Javier has been one of the most intriguing Astros players over the last two seasons. In addition to his outstanding strikeout potential, his “invisiball” makes him stick out in the crowd.
Between Clayton Kershaw and Trevor Rogers, Javier’s 28.8 percent strikeout percentage is the 16th-best among starters and relievers who have thrown at least 150 innings in the last two seasons.
When you consider that the right-hander throws his four-seam fastball at an average velocity of 93.1 MPH, it is an incredible achievement to record a strikeout rate in that area.
Because he can generate so much backspin on his fastball, he can create this rising illusion and locate in locations where batters have trouble dealing with it.
That fastball combined with an excellent slider is not a secret to anyone who has seen him in action.
However, if Javier is to become a complete pitcher, he will need to overcome a number of challenges. In 2021, for example, he frequently went for walks.
According to inning-by-inning comparison, Javier’s 11.1% walk rate ranks second in MLB behind only Blake Snell’s 11.6% rate.
Between his fantastic April and less-than-great May, he was hampered by location concerns. As a result of Framber Valdez returning sooner than projected, he didn’t start again following his performance on May 23 against the Rangers.
Since May 24, he has a 13.9 percent free pass percentage as a reliever, despite his increased strikeout rate and pitch velocity.
As we witnessed in the playoffs, Javier was capable of shutting down an opponent’s lineup for an outing. The next few outings, though, were a little erratic.
What Happened To Cristian Javier?
Javier allowed six hits, three of which went for extra bases, in the game. In the first inning, he gave up a run on a single and a double and was then tagged out.