Getting Justin Verlander back into the pitching rotation for the Houston Astros before this season ends would be a huge deal. Verlander has been working hard to rehab from a neck injury.
But he’s been out a lot during the MLB season. It’s put a dent in the Astros’ pitching plans, forcing the team to bring up Spencer Arrighetti, Hunter Brown, and others. Houston, though, also has other setbacks with rotation favorites Cristian Javier, JP France, and Lance McCullers out.
Houston Astros Need Verlander’s Arm
Manager Joe Espada, in his weekly show with Houston radio station KBME (SportsTalk 790), said Verlander would make another rehab start. This time, he’s going down to Double-A and pitch for the Corpus Christi Hooks.
“He bounced back well,” Espada said before Monday night’s 6-1 Astros win at Tampa Bay, according to The Associated Press. “He feels well. He feels good.”
Throughout his time with the Astros, Justin Verlander has proven to be one of the most durable starters. He did spend a little time last season with the New York Mets before the Astros traded for him. Verlander has helped the Houston Astros secure World Series victories in 2017 and 2022.
Looking at his career accolades, it’s hard-pressed to not see Verlander get his spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. He’s won three Cy Young Awards, picked up two ERA (Earned Run Average) titles, and one Most Valuable Player honor.
This season, Verlander, 41, is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA. He’s posted 51 strikeouts in only 57 innings of work.
On Saturday in his start for the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, Verlander went three innings. He only allowed one run while throwing 52 pitches, 36 for strikes. Afterward, he talked about how he felt on the mound and his outing in general.
Justin Verlander Happy After Start
“Physically, felt good,” Verlander told the Houston Chronicle. “Was able to step on a few fastballs there at the end.” He added that he “checked all the boxes I needed to.”
Right now, the Houston Astros are playing solid baseball. They are 20 games above .500 overall since late April. The Astros got off to a horrible start this season. Espada has, at times, been criticized by fans for his first-year managerial moves. Yet it looks like he’s pulling the right strings now.
It’s also worth noting that a Houston Astros offense that has sometimes been asleep at the wheel is full of life. Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez were named co-American League Players of the Week for their efforts last week. Bregman and Alvarez combined for nine home runs between them.
Spencer Arrighetti, Hunter Brown, and newly acquired starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi have been holding down the fort for Astros pitching. Lest one forget about Framber Valdez and Ronel Blanco. Those two are keeping hitters guessing with their arsenal of pitches.
If Verlander can rejoin the Astros rotation (and that’s a definite possibility) soon, then that’s another well-rested arm to trust. The Houston Astros have been known for their pitching, speed and defense over the years. Now, they’ve added some pop at the plate thanks to Alvarez, Bregman, Jose Altuve and the injured Kyle Tucker.
What the Astros also can gain with Verlander’s return is his veteran leadership. He’s not a wallflower when it comes to stirring up his teammates. And he’s seen enough baseball over the years to know when teammates need a kick in the pants.
So, let’s see if Justin Verlander can make a successful return soon.
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