The Houston Astros are reportedly going to begin the 2020 season with their ace on the shelf after he was shut down during Spring Training. A lat strain was revealed after an MRI, which is going to keep him off the field for some time. It seems that it would take some existential circumstances for Justin Verlander to be able to pitch on Opening Day.
Justin Verlander has a “mild lat strain,” general manager James Click said. He has been shut down.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 9, 2020
Justin Verlander: “I would say it would probably take a miracle for me to be back by Opening Day.”
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 9, 2020
The Astros pulled Verlander early last night after he had discomfort in his pitching arm. He was supposed to go four innings but would ultimately get removed after two. In 2019, Verlander would take home the American League (AL) Cy Young award for his performance. In thirty-four starts, Verlander would go 21-6 with a .258 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, and 300 strikeouts over 223 innings pitched.
Verlander made history last year by striking out 3,000 hitters to achieve some eternal baseball history. The Astros already lost Gerrit Cole this offseason after he signed with the New York Yankees on a nine-year, $324 million contract. With Verlander unlikely for Opening Day, it is Zack Greinke who will most likely get the nod.
