WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (SportsRadio 610) -- Cristian Javier will take the mound for the Astros in Saturday's spring training opener, Dusty Baker announced Thursday.
"I'm very excited, very prepared," Javier said through a translater. "I just want to thank God first and foremost and thank the Houston Astros for giving me this opportunity."
Javier, the Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2019, compiled a 1.74 ERA with 170 strikeouts in 113.2 innings with three affiliates last season. He started the year with Class-A Fayetteville and finished with AAA Round Rock.
"He has good stuff and as far as I'm concerned he's probably in the mix for things," Baker said.
The 22-year old finished 2019 as the Astros ninth rated prospect, per MLB.com. He averages 89-93 with his fastball and features a curveball and slider.
The key for Javier is his changeup, and he says he's pleased with how that pitch has come along this spring.
"Location's going good and the movement that I want of it is exactly where I need it to be."
Javier said he doesn't know how many innings will be allowed to go Saturday when he starts opposite Max Scherzer, but he admitted that he expects to be a little nervous.
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