Astros Edge Red Sox 7-6 as Javier Shines in First Start Since Surgery

The Houston Astros edged the Boston Red Sox 7–6 at Daikin Park on Monday, handing Boston its third straight defeat and marking right-hander Cristian Javier’s successful return from Tommy John surgery. Javier, 28, yielded just two hits after the first inning and departed after five frames with a 7–2 lead to earn the win in his first major-league appearance since May 2024. Houston’s offense supported the comeback with long balls from Chas McCormick, who hit his first homer of the season, and newly acquired infielder Ramón Urías, whose two-run blast capped a three-hit night. The Astros had pulled ahead with a three-run third inning highlighted by Christian Walker’s two-run double off Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet. Former Astros star Alex Bregman provided early drama for Boston, driving Javier’s fourth pitch of the game into the left-field seats for a two-run homer in his first plate appearance at his old ballpark. Boston later cut a five-run deficit to one behind late shots from Abraham Toro and rookie Roman Anthony, but reliever Bennett Sousa struck out Anthony with the tying run on second for his fourth save. Crochet was charged with five runs in four innings, halting a personal nine-game winning streak and dropping the Red Sox to 65-55. Houston improves to 60-60 after being swept in Boston earlier this month. The series continues Tuesday with Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti facing Boston’s Dustin May.