Houston Astros fans will get a heavy dose of nostalgia Monday when Carlos Correa returns to Daikin Park for the first time as an Astro since 2021. Traded back to Houston at the MLB deadline, Correa’s arrival reunites one of the city’s homegrown stars with the club that drafted him and adds a familiar presence to a lineup looking to sustain a late-season push.
The Astros host the Boston Red Sox — a team that also added a former Houston stalwart, Alex Bregman, after the 2024 season — in a game that feels like a reunion on both dugouts. Houston comes into the matchup at 66-52, clinging to a slim half-game lead in the AL West over the surging Seattle Mariners, who are riding a seven-game win streak. Houston grabbed two of three from the New York Yankees over the weekend and will be trying to keep that momentum alive.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and features some storyline-rich pitching matchups. Right-hander Cristian Javier is expected to make his first start of the 2025 season after recovering from Tommy John surgery — a milestone that signals meaningful progress in his rehabilitation. He’ll face Boston lefty Garrett Crochet, who has had a standout season: 13-4 with a 2.24 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.
What to watch
– Correa’s return: Beyond the sentimental value, Correa’s familiarity with Houston’s culture and clubhouse could provide an immediate lift to the lineup and clubhouse leadership.
– Javier’s comeback: After Tommy John surgery, teams often manage innings and monitor velocity and command closely; Javier’s outing will be a key barometer of how he’s progressing physically and how the rotation shapes up down the stretch.
– Crochet’s dominance: With season-long excellence in ERA and WHIP, Crochet represents a significant challenge for the Astros’ bats.
Commentary and context
Bringing Correa back at the deadline is as much about identity and chemistry as it is about on-field production. Players returning to the clubs that drafted them often bring instant familiarity that can help during tight pennant races. Meanwhile, Javier’s return from Tommy John surgery is encouraging; such recoveries typically take a year or more, so seeing him start this season suggests the club believes he’s ready to contribute again.
Short summary
The Astros welcome Carlos Correa back to Daikin Park Monday after reacquiring him at the trade deadline. Houston, 66-52 and holding a narrow division lead, will try to extend momentum gained against the Yankees. Cristian Javier makes his first start of 2025 following Tommy John surgery, opposing Red Sox lefty Garrett Crochet (13-4, 2.24 ERA, 1.07 WHIP).
Hopeful spin
This matchup gives Houston fans a chance to celebrate a beloved return and to see a key rotation piece take another step in his recovery. If Correa’s presence sparks the lineup and Javier shows the form that made him a reliable arm before surgery, the Astros could ride both momentum and familiarity into a strong final stretch.