houston astros Pitcher Justin Verlander will start the season on the disabled list as he battles shoulder inflammation, but it’s not all bad news for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed the news on Tuesday, adding that Verlander looks solid but won’t have enough time to return to full strength before the game. beginning of the season.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander pitches during the bottom of the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
“He’s doing very well, but his days here are numbered. He won’t be able to develop enough to start the season,” he said. “It’s just a matter of timing. We want to do what’s best for the JV and the club, and this is what’s best for us at this time.”
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Espada added that Verlander did not feel any pain in his right shoulder after bullpen practice, hinting at the possibility of an early return.
but Verlander wouldn’t guess.
“I don’t have any answers. The frustrating part about this is no one has any answers,” he said, via MLB.com.
The Houston Astros warm up as they prepare to throw 10 pucks during Houston Astros pitcher and catcher training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Thursday, February 15, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pitcher Justin Verlander (35). (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
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“It’s, ‘Okay, when are you going to get better, when are you going to make a full recovery?'” Right now, it’s hovering at 90%. I feel ready to go even higher. Does it take a little longer to get from 90% to 100% or is it just like, “Okay, okay?” I don’t know. We have to keep accumulating. I guess we’ll know when the time comes. Perhaps a follow-up MRI may be done to check your progress and confirm that your symptoms are still present. Good, it used to be that way. ”
Verlander signed a two-year contract worth $86.67 million. new york mets He was transferred ahead of the 2023 season, but was traded back to Houston in early August.
Justin Verlander of the New York Mets pitches during the bottom of the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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His contract includes a $35 million conditional player option for 2025, which can be exercised if he pitches 140 more innings this year. If he exercises it, the Mets would have to pay half.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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