HOUSTON — The Houston Astros could soon have their ace, Justin Verlander, back in the rotation after starting the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder. Verlander is scheduled to make his first rehab start Sunday at Triple-A Sugar Land.
The 41-year-old pitcher, who opened the season on the disabled list, will throw a bullpen session Thursday in Houston before starting this weekend. Manager Joe Espada stated that he expects Verlander to make two minor league starts before returning to the Astros.
“Just based on what I’ve seen and his live batting practice and how he talks about how he feels, I think two starts…should be good enough,” Espada said. The Astros hope Verlander will throw between 70 and 75 pitches on Sunday and reach 85-90 in his next start.
Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is in his second stint with the Astros after rejoining the team in a trade from the New York Mets last July. He posted a 13-8 record with a 3.22 ERA in 27 starts for the Mets and Astros last season.
Astros fans are eager to see Verlander back on the mound, as his presence in the rotation is sure to bolster the team’s chances of success this season.