Josh James Fantasy Stats

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed right-hander Josh James to a minor-league deal. The deal presumably comes with an invite to big-league spring training, although not yet confirmed. Once a highly-touted young arm with the Astros, the now-30-year-old's career has been decimated by injury, most recently flexor tendon surgery that cost him all of last season. In fact, James hasn't appeared on a big-league mound since Sept. 22, 2021. He saw diminished velocity after early-career injuries as he averaged 94.1 mph on his four-seam fastball in 2021 versus a 97.3 mph average in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons. James owns a career 4.64 ERA in 73 big-league outings (six starts) while posting an eye-popping 34.3% K% in that time. He is a low-risk flyer for a Cardinals team that has been busy in addressing pitching needs this winter.

Houston Astros right-hander Josh James (forearm), who has been on the 60-day injured list since June 23 with a right lat strain, underwent surgery on the flexor tendon in his right forearm, and the Astros haven't provided a timetable for his return. James had a setback during his minor league rehab assignment in the middle of last month, and now it's unclear if he'll even be ready for the start of spring training next year. The 29-year-old hasn't pitched at all for the Astros this year after making just five relief appearances in 2021 with a 5.40 ERA (3.77 FIP), a 1.20 WHIP and eight strikeouts in his five innings pitched.

The Houston Astros called up relief pitcher Josh James from Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday. The move was made after outfielder Michael Brantley (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list. The 28-year-old James has appeared in just one game for the Astros this year. He made a relief appearance earlier this month and gave up two earned runs in an inning. He's been stellar in the minor leagues this year, however. Over 19.2 innings spread across Triple-A and Single-A, he's posted a 1.37 ERA and a 1.169 WHIP while averaging 11.4 K/9. He'll have to pitch extremely well in order to earn himself high-leverage opportunities or a spot on the team's postseason roster.

Houston Astros pitcher Josh James (hip) has been activated off the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land. He was already with the organization for a rehab assignment, so he won't have to go anywhere. The 28-year-old righty has been sidelined all season due to a hip issue. He'll get some more work in the minors before likely joining the Astros at some point this season. James is a versatile pitcher who can be used in multiple roles. However, it's unlikely he holds any fantasy value in 2021. In a corresponding move, righty Ralph Garza Jr. has been designated for assignment. He held a 4.09 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 14/7 K/BB ratio over 11 innings with the Astros this season.

Houston Astros right-hander Josh James (hamstring) is dealing with hamstring tightness and is in Houston to be examined by team doctors. James had recently started a rehab assignment in the minor leagues with Triple-A Sugar Land and was getting closer to returning from a hip injury that has kept him out all season to this point, so this is a disappointing development. It's unclear how much longer he'll be out now with a hamstring injury, but we should know more about a potential timetable later this week. James could provide some long-relief innings or potentially serve as a spot-starter down the stretch if he can ever get past his injuries, but he can be left to the waiver wire in the majority of fantasy leagues for now.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh James (hip) made another rehab appearance with Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday and tossed two scoreless innings in his fifth minor league outing. While rehabbing, James shortened his arm path, and it's led to good results so far, as he has a 1.42 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and six strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings so far on his rehab assignment with Low-A Fayetteville and Sugar Land. The 28-year-old right-hander has yet to pitch in 2021 due to injury, but he could become relevant in Houston's bullpen in the second half of the season due to his 34.1 percent career strikeout rate. James has just one career save back in 2019, though, so he'll only be worth a look for his ratios in saves/holds leagues.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh James (hip) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday in Cleveland and will now head to Triple-A Sugar Land to continue his rehab assignment. James had been rehabbing with Low-A Fayetteville. The 28-year-old right-hander could be a real weapon for Houston's bullpen in the second half of the season if he's fully healthy. He has yet to make an appearance for Houston in 2021 and he had a rough 7.27 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 13 outings (two starts) over 17 1/3 innings last year, but he also has a career 13.3 K/9 in 101 2/3 frames over three seasons. James is unlikely to enter the saves picture, but he could useful in deeper leagues that count holds.

Houston Astros pitcher Josh James (hip) is on schedule to begin a rehab assignment at Low-A Fayetteville this week. James had surgery on his left hip last October. He has had multiple setbacks while attempting to work his way back to action. James put together a fantastic track record in the minors, but he's mostly struggled over his 68 MLB appearances since 2018. He has a career 4.60 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in the Majors. He's expected to join the Astros bullpen when he's finally ready to make his way back to the team.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker said that relief pitcher Josh James (hamstring, hip) has suffered a setback in his rehab, however, it's not arm related. James hurt his hamstring while conditioning, but it's unclear what it means for his timetable as he works his way back from hip surgery. Before this setback, the right-handed pitcher was expected to return in June. James was recently moved to the 60-day injured list and has resumed throwing. There's no point in hanging onto the 28-year-old, especially since he was sporting a rough 7.27 ERA and 1.84 WHIP while striking out 21 and walking 17 in 17 1/3 innings over 13 appearances (two starts). James also has just one career save in 101 2/3 frames in his three seasons in the big leagues with Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Josh James (hip) has been transferred to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. The young righty pitcher has not been able to take the mound this season due to a lingering hip issue. Houston is hopeful that James will be able to get on the mound around June. At first glance, James doesn't seem like much of a fantasy option given how much depth Houston has in terms of pitching. Although, he is someone that can pitch in the rotation or out of the bullpen. James could end up having sneaky fantasy appeal if the Astros do use him in a hybrid role.