DENVER (AP) – The Houston Astros faced a challenging game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, as they lost two players to injuries within minutes.
Center fielder Jake Meyers exited the game due to lower back tightness, while right-hander Cristian Javier left the field with shoulder tightness.
Astros manager Joe Espada provided no immediate updates following the Rockies’ 9-1 victory that completed a three-game series sweep. The injuries come at a critical time for the Astros, who are already managing a roster affected by injuries.
Injury Details
Meyers experienced discomfort while batting against Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen. After initially remaining in the game, he was replaced mid-at-bat after the tightness worsened. Brice Matthews stepped in as a pinch hitter, managing to secure a single with a 2-2 count.
Javier’s situation unfolded during warm-ups when he gestured toward the dugout after a pitch. Following a brief visit from the coaching staff, Espada decided to substitute him with AJ Blubaugh, who subsequently struggled on the mound, allowing five runs in the second inning.
Manager’s Response
Following the game, Espada expressed his frustration regarding the injuries, stating, “Not what I want to see. It’s hard, hard, hard. Got to flush this and get ready to play ball.” He acknowledged the difficulty of moving past such a series of setbacks but expressed confidence in his team’s resilience.
Meyers reflected on his injury, noting, “Took a swing, thought I was good to go. Took a harder take and it tightened it up more.” Javier completed one inning, allowing one run while striking out one batter before his exit.
Recent Injury Trends
The Astros have been grappling with injuries recently, including placing right-handed pitcher Hunter Brown on the 15-day injured list due to a strained shoulder. This latest round of injuries adds to the challenges the team faces as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.