Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is close to making a comeback after starting the year on the injured list. Manager Joe Espada revealed that Verlander is set to throw a bullpen session tomorrow and, if all goes well, will have a rehab start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday. The team expects him to only need two rehab starts before rejoining the major league club in about two weeks.
The Astros have been dealing with rotation health issues for a while now. Pitchers Luis Garcia Jr. and Lance McCullers Jr. underwent surgeries last year and are still on the path to recovery. Verlander, José Urquidy, and Shawn Dubin also suffered injuries during spring training, causing them to miss the Opening Day roster. Verlander experienced some shoulder soreness early in the spring, slowing his progress.
Justin Verlander Scheduled To Begin Rehab Assignment On Sunday https://t.co/FMgDLYCfEK pic.twitter.com/wSue37jr57
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In Verlander"s absence, the Astros relied on pitchers like Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, JP France, and Ronel Blanco. Despite Blanco throwing a no-hitter on Monday, the team struggled with a 1-5 record, with all five losses attributed to the bullpen. France is currently on the paternity list but is expected to return to the team soon.
At 41 years old, Verlander didn"t quite match his Cy Young-winning performance of 2022 but still had a solid season in 2023. His earned run average rose to 3.22 last year from 1.75 in 2022, and his strikeout and walk rates fluctuated. However, he managed to maintain strong results overall.
When Verlander returns, the Astros may face a tough decision on which starter to remove from the rotation. Each current starter has options, but Valdez and Javier are established in the majors. Brown and France have shown promise, with Brown having better peripherals, suggesting improved performance ahead. Blanco, despite limited significant league experience, recently threw a no-hitter.
Verlander is in the final year of his contract with the Mets but has a player option for 2025 if he reaches a particular inning threshold this year. As part of a trade last year, the Mets agreed to cover a portion of Verlander"s salary for 2023 and 2024 and half of the player option if it becomes guaranteed.
