Houston Astros Ace Gets ‘Huge Win’ In Latest Injury Rehab
Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander returned to the mound at Minute Maid Park on Monday, as the 41-year-old pitched in a simulated game in what he and the Astros hoped would be a precursor to a rehab assignment in the minor leagues.
There is good news from Verlander’s perspective. He threw 52 pitches, which was right on the target that he and the Astros set a few days prior. Even better was Verlander’s assessment of the simulated game, per The Athletic and other outlets.
Verlander called it a “huge win.”
He started the season on the injured list after he arrived at spring training in West Palm Beach with a shoulder issue, which put Verlander about two weeks behind schedule from the rest of the pitching staff.
The Astros put Verlander on the 15-day injured list to start the season, hoping that he would not need that much time to build up and return to the Majors.
The next logical question is where Verlander goes from here. Before the simulated game, the Astros hoped this would be the last step before he started an injury rehab assignment at an Astros minor-league affiliate.
That assignment could be at nearby Triple-A Sugar Land, which opened its season on Friday. Double-A Corpus Christi opens its season on Thursday.
The three-time Cy Young winner and two-time world champion threw bullpens throughout the spring, including a two-inning live batting practice session last week.
Last season Verlander was 13-8 overall, he was 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA with the Astros. He posted his numbers in 27 starts as the start of his season was delayed due to injury. The Astros re-acquired him from the Mets at last season’s trade deadline for two outfield prospects — Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford.
MATTHEW POSTINS
Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He also covers he Big 12 for Heartland College Sports.