Verlander to begin season on IL after sore shoulder slows progress
Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander will begin the 2024 regular season on the injured list, manager Joe Espada said Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.
The 41-year-old pitcher has been behind his usual spring schedule due to right shoulder soreness. While he didn't have a setback, Espada said the Astros want to be "smart" with his buildup.
"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 said. "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 reported "being a little bit behind schedule" after having an offseason "hiccup" with his shoulder in the middle of February. He admitted wanting to be cautious with his ramp-up toward the regular season because of his age.
"Would I like to be out there for Opening Day? Absolutely. Am I frustrated? Absolutely. Am I excited about the way I feel right now? Also yes," Verlander said on Tuesday, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.
The three-time Cy Young winner is one of many starting options out of action for the Astros as they enter the 2024 season, joining J.P. France (shoulder soreness), Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery), and Lance McCullers Jr. (elbow surgery).
Verlander was 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 68 innings for the Astros last season after they acquired him in an August trade with the New York Mets.