(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier returned from Tommy John surgery and threw five innings to beat the visiting Boston Red Sox on Monday night.

Javier hasn't pitched in the majors since May 21, 2024. He underwent surgery the following month.

On Monday, he gave up a single on his first pitch, and former teammate Alex Bregman followed with a two-run homer. However, Javier settled in from there, allowing no more runs in the Astros' 7-6 victory.

He wound up yielding three hits and two walks while striking out five in an 85-pitch effort.

Javier, 28, became a franchise World Series hero for the ages when he was part of Houston's combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the 2022 Fall Classic. He struck out nine and walked two in six innings before three relievers finished up for just the second no-hitter in World Series history.

Don Larsen of the New York Yankees tossed a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1956 World Series.

Javier went 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in three appearances (two starts) during the 2022 postseason. He struck out 16 and allowed just two hits in 12 2/3 innings.

Javier was also part of a combined no-hitter against the New York Yankees during the 2022 regular season. He struck out 13 in seven innings before two Houston relievers completed the gem.

With the Monday win, Javier is 34-18 with a 3.59 ERA in 117 appearances (83 starts) in six seasons with the Astros.

Houston designated outfielder Cooper Hummel for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Javier. The Astros also recalled outfielder Jacob Melton from Triple-A Sugar Land and optioned left-hander Colton Gordon to the same affiliate.

Hummel, 30, hit .l72 with three homers and seven RBIs in 36 games for Houston, while the 24-year-old Melton hit .206 with six RBIs in 13 big league games earlier this season. Gordon, 26, was 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA in 13 starts and one relief appearance.

--Field Level Media