As the Houston Astros (43-31) gain more separation in the American League West — led the Seattle Mariners by five and a half games entering Thursday night’s matchup versus the Athletics, it is becoming easier to overlook their depleted pitching staff. And that cannot happen. Although Joe Espada’s club continues to excel with more than half a dozen hurlers on the injured list, sustaining success in this state is hard to fathom. Reinforcements are essential. Fortunately, one player just made critical progress. Astros right-handed pitcher Cristian Javier, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, threw in his first live batting practice , according to the Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara. He