Houston Astros Pitcher Justin Verlander will begin the season on the injured list as he continues to deal with shoulder inflammation, but it's not all bad news for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed the news Tuesday, adding that while Verlander looks solid, there isn't enough time for him to regain his full strength before the game. start of season.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
“He's doing very well, but we're running out of days and we won't be able to prepare him enough to start the season,” he said. “It's just a matter of time. We want to do what's best for JV and our club, and this is what's best for us right now.”
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Espada added that Verlander hasn't experienced any pain in his right shoulder after bullpen sessions, possibly suggesting an early return.
But Verlander did not want to speculate.
“I don't have any answers, and the frustrating thing about this is that no one has the answer,” he said via MLB.com.
Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander (35) warms up as he prepares to throw the 10-pack during workouts for Houston Astros pitchers and catchers at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. . (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
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“It's, 'Okay, when will I be cured, when will I be completely healthy?' I'm hovering around 90% right now. I feel like I'm ready to ramp it up. Does going from 90% to 100% take a little longer or is it like, “Okay, I'm good”? I don't know. I have to keep working “and I think we'll know when it's time. Maybe there's a chance to do a follow-up MRI to see how things look and make sure it's still okay. Well, it was before.”
Verlander signed a two-year, $86.67 million contract with the New York Mets ahead of the 2023 season, but was traded back to Houston in early August.
Justin Verlander of the New York Mets pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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His deal includes a $35 million conditional player option for 2025 that he can exercise 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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