Prior to today, Javier had allowed a .523 OPS this month. An ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of .815. He got totally hosed when he clearly struck out the lead off hitter but it was called ball 4. Led to a 2 run HR and a boatload of pitches. It didn't even look like he'd get out of the first inning, but he recovered enough to be very solid for 5.
They can afford a lot with a 12 game lead which is the biggest ever by an Astros team entering the month of September. They don't lose a majority of games he starts. Wouldn't be surprised if someone finds what the Astros record is when he starts and we see the Astros actually win at a higher win percentage with him starting...because baseball. Besides, Dubon won't be starting in the playoffs, or if he is then something has gone wrong.
He's been a big disappointment, his career numbers suggest he's a Diaz clone at the plate, but he's closer to a Maldonado as an Astro.
amazing how you go from batting champ to “done” in a season without any obvious injury issues …. Crazy