The Houston Astros (8-10-3) host the Miami Marlins (8-10-2) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his second start of the Grapefruit League. RHP Eury Perez will be on the mound for the Marlins.
TODAY’S STARTER: RHP Cristian Javier is making his second start of the Grapefruit League this season. In his only outing in the Grapefruit League on March 9 vs. STL, he allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks with three strikeouts in 1.2 innings.
In his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Javier made eight starts, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA (19ER/37IP), 34 strikeouts and a .230 opponent average. In his career, Javier has held opponents to a .203 (397×1956) batting average. Among AL pitchers to toss 525.0-plus innings between the 202025 seasons, Javier ranks first in the AL in that category.
He’s also helped author several notable moments in his career, starting a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, as well as a combined no-hitter in June of that season at Yankee Stadium.
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Bryan Abreu, RHP AJ Blubaugh, LHP Bryan King, LHP Steven Okert and RHP Christian Roa
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have reassigned LHP Tom Cosgrove and RHP Amos Willingham to minor league camp.
LINEUP NOTES: Astros top prospect Kevin Alvarez will play LF and bat fifth. Alvarez, 18, played last season for DSL Astros Blue in his first year of professional baseball. He slashed .301/.419/.455 with 12 doubles, 3 triples and 2 homes in 156 AB. He also walked more than he struck out (23/19) and stole 11 bases.
Game Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, 12:05 p.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches – W. Palm Beach, Florida
Radio: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2