<
>

Cristian Javier exits Houston Astros' loss with illness

HOUSTON -- Astros starter Cristian Javier left Sunday's 12-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles after three innings because of an illness.

Javier allowed three hits and a run with two strikeouts before being replaced by Shawn Dubin for the fourth inning. The team announced that he had left because of an illness without providing any further details.

After the loss, Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters that Javier informed the staff in the dugout that he did not feel well, though "he looked pretty good those first three innings."

Javier was not made available to the media after the loss, and the team said he was being examined by doctors.

Javier (1-1) was tagged with the loss, and after his departure, the Astros used five relievers before outfielder Chas McCormick threw a scoreless ninth in his second pitching appearance this week.

It was the second start of the season for Javier, who missed 14 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He yielded 3 hits and 2 runs with 5 strikeouts over five innings in a win over Boston in his debut Monday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.