Houston faced a double setback Wednesday against Colorado when center fielder Jake Meyers left the game with back tightness in the second inning. He had just taken a swing against Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen, returned briefly, then exited after a subsequent pitch. Pinch‑hitter Brice Matthews stepped in with a 2‑2 count and delivered a single to left. The early exit disrupted Houston’s offensive rhythm.

Right‑hander Cristian Javier suffered shoulder tightness during warm‑up in the bottom of the frame and was pulled from the mound by manager Joe Espana. AJ Blubaugh replaced him, surrendering five runs in the second inning. Javier managed only one inning, allowing a single run while striking out one batter, leaving Houston’s bullpen stretched thin.

The injuries add to a rough week for the Astros, who placed right‑hander Hunter Brown on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a strained shoulder. Losing both a regular outfielder and a key starter in a single game forces Houston to rely on depth players and could affect its standing in the tight AL West race as the season heads into its second half.