CONFIRMED DEAL: The Houston Astros are expected to execute a blockbuster pitching trade this evening, sending All-Star second baseman  to the Texas Rangers in return for four players, per an ESPN report this evening.

The Houston Astros activated right-hander Cristian Javier to the active roster Saturday and designated right-hander Brandon Bielak for assignment.

The anticipated move allows Javier to start Saturday’s road game against the Detroit Tigers. He had been on the injured list since April 21 because of neck discomfort.

Javier, 27, was 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA in four starts to open the season. In five seasons with the Astros, he is 32-17 with a 3.47 ERA in 113 appearances (79 starts).

The Astros’ rotation now has Javier, Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez all back from the injured list since late April.

Bielak, 28, had a 5.71 ERA in 10 relief appearances for Houston. Also with five seasons of experience for the Astros, Bielak is 11-13 lifetime with a 4.65 ERA in 70 appearances (21 starts). He made a career-high 13 starts in 15 appearances last season and went 5-6 with a 3.83 ERA.

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MLB rumors: 2 ‘prominent’ Astros express private complaints about Joe Espada

The Houston Astros have massively underperformed in Joe Espada’s first year as manager. Behind the scene, some Astros are beginning to believe his tenure shouldn’t continue beyond the 2024 season.

Two ‘prominent’ members of Houston’s club have ‘quietly expressed’ complaints over Espada’s communication skills, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. There’s no word on if the Astros are seriously considering a change at manager, although missing the postseason would be devastating to Espada’s chances of retaining.

If Houston were to move on, the Boston Red Sox’s Alex Cora and the Miami Marlins’ Skip Schumaker have been deemed the most sought after managers during the offseason.

When Dusty Baker stepped down as the Astros’ manager Joe Espada was given a promotion. He had served as the team’s bench coach since 2017, winning a World Series title in 2022. Before that, Espada had served a coach in the New York Yankees and Marlins organizations. He has also coached for Puerto Rico’s National Team in the World Baseball Classic.

But for all the experience and ties Espada may have now in Houston, the Astros have much different expectations for their organization. They’ve made the ALCS every year since 2017. Two of those seasons ended with World Series rings. Houston has become a juggernaut in MLB and they aren’t looking to give away their crown anytime soon.

The franchise is in turmoil and needs a major turnaround to get back into playoff contention. It’ll be up to Joe Espada to help lead the Astros from the ashes. But at least two of his players already aren’t feeling too confident that he’s the right man for the job.