Astros’ Justin Verlander takes massive step toward injury return
The latest Justin Verlander injury update is a promising one for the Astros.
Justin Verlander is not expected to be ready for Opening Day because of a shoulder injury. However, the Houston Astros star is taking steps towards returning from injury soon. Verlander reportedly threw 20 pitches in his first live batting practice of the spring on Wednesday, per MLB.com.
Sure, it was just 20 pitches. Still, when pitchers begin facing hitters in live batting practices it’s a positive sign that they are trending in a positive direction. Teams won’t have pitchers risk further injury with live BPs if they don’t feel they are ready.
MLB.com also reports that Verlander will throw another live batting practice soon before heading on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues. Manager Joe Espada reportedly added that Verlander will not appear in any spring training games, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
Justin Verlander among Astros pitchers starting season on injured list
Verlander will begin the 2024 season on the injured list. Other Astros pitchers set to open 2024 on the IL include the following; Jose Urquidy, Lance McCullers Jr., and Luis Garcia, per Astros writer Michael Schwab. McCullers and Garcia are not expected back until July, while it is unclear when Urquidy will return.
If all goes well for Verlander on his rehab assignment, though, he could realistically return in April. Nevertheless, Houston’s pitching rotation has question marks.
All of the injuries have left the Astros searching for answers. Framber Valdez will start Opening Day, while Christian Javier and Hunter Brown will also play a role in Houston’s rotation.
The Astros were linked to Blake Snell before he signed with the San Francisco Giants. In fact, just days before Snell agreed to his deal with the Giants Houston was rumored to be seriously pursuing him. In the end, the two sides did not agree to a contract and Snell will spend 2024 in San Francisco.
Jordan Montgomery remains unsigned in MLB free agency. He’s familiar with the American League West after pitching for the Texas Rangers in 2023. Although Houston has not been linked to Montgomery on a consistent basis, perhaps they will consider signing the left-hander.
