​Cristian Javier lasted two innings against the Mariners on Tuesday before leaving with tightness in his groin. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE – Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier exited his start Tuesday against the Mariners with right groin tightness, the team said, a troubling development at the start of the season’s final week.Javier completed two scoreless innings on 45 pitches in the opener of a two-game series against Seattle. The Astros forged a 4-0 lead in the top of the third. But reliever Miguel Ullola warmed in the half-inning and entered the game in the bottom of the third.Javier, who entered with a 5.31 ERA in an injury-shortened season, had shown recent signs of progress, posting a 2.20 ERA over his last three starts. If the groin issue is serious, it could threaten his availability for the playoffs, if the Astros get there.More immediately, his early exit Tuesday created a heavy workload for Houston’s bullpen at the start of the team’s defining final six-game stretch. The Astros entered Tuesday trailing the Rangers by one game in the American League West, prior to Texas’ loss to the Mets.The Astros are already without veteran relievers Steven Okert and Enyel De Los Santos, both unlikely to return from the injured list in the regular season. Javier’s exit could ripple across their pitching plans for the next five days with their season on the line.SubscribeThere’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier leaves after two innings because of groin injury.