The Houston Astros are two and five on the early season and are set to kick off a three-game series with the defending World Series Champions this weekend. They need good news after being swept by the New York Yankees to start the season, they took two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays including the No hitter pitched by Ronel Blanco to open the series. Now the morning of the series opener with the Division rival Rangers, the Astros have announced that reinforcements are on their way soon!
RHP – Justin Verlander
This morning the Houston Astros sent the pitcher on a rehab assignment with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, no word yet on how many additional starts he will need in the minors. Where he threw a simulated game while staying behind in extended spring training perhaps depending on the outing only one will be needed before rejoining the Astros rotation. He was originally placed on the 15-day injured list back on March 28th with Right shoulder inflammation. Verlander started the season last year for the New York Mets making 16 starts going 6-5, with a 3.15 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP. He pitched 94.1 innings for the Mets last year striking out 81 and walking 31. After being to the Astros he made 11 more starts throwing 68 innings going 7-3 for the Astros. During his 11 starts, he struck out 63, walked 14, and had a WHIP of 1.12.
Wrap Up:
While the season didn’t start the way the Astros would’ve liked, the chance to have Verlander back in the rotation soon is exciting news for a team that needs reinforcements in the rotation. Verlander is a little long in the tooth these days at the age of 41, but he hasn’t looked his age on the mound as he continues to be the reliable staff ace as always. All eyes will be watching to see how his rehab start goes with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in Triple-A. It will be something to monitor regarding when we might see Verlander back with the Astros hopefully sooner rather than later!
