Justin Verlander to start MLB season on injured list
The Houston Astros will be without their three-time Cy Young pitcher on Opening Day. Verlander is moved to the IL with right shoulder discomfort.
The Houston Astros will kick off their 2024 MLB season on the back foot, as manager Joe Espada announced three-time Cy Young award winning pitcher Justin Verlander will meet Opening Day on the injured list, feeling discomfort in his right shoulder.
“He’s doing very well, but we’re just running out of days here, and we won’t be able to build him up enough to start the season,” Espada told the AP. “It’s just a timing issue. We want to do what’s best for J.V. and our club, and this is what’s best for us right now.”
Verlander was a key component to the Astros’ 2022 World Series win. After going to the Mets in free agency, Houston brought him back at the trade deadline in 2023, where he made 11 starts, with a 7-3 record and a 3.31 ERA after allowing 25 runs in 68 full innings of work.
“We want to make sure to do it smart and not fast,” said Espada. “We need him for the long haul. It’s a long season, and we need a healthy J.V. throughout the season.”
The Astros not in the market for a pitcher
Dana Brown, the general manager of the Astros, made it clear that Houston will not panic buy due to Verlander’s injury because their starting rotation is good enough to wait for the nine-time All-Star to come back.
“We don't need to search the market right now. It will be a temporary leave,” Brown said for MLB.com. “As soon as he gets his rhythm back and his speed comes back, he'll pitch in games and be ready.”
For now the Astros rotation will consist of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, José Urquidy, Hunter Brown and J.P. France. Two other options are prospects Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti. Of these options, Valdez is the one who has all of the tools to become the number one pitcher during Verlander’s absence.