HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Justin Verlander’s extended absence from the Astros rotation could be nearing an end.
Verlander threw a bullpen on Sunday, three days after his second rehab start, and if he feels good on Monday, Verlander could start for the Astros on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox.
“His (bullpen) looked really good,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “He felt strong, so that’s good news. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Verlander last pitched for the Astros on June 9 and has been on the injured list since June 16 due to neck discomfort. He allowed two runs, one earned, over four innings for Double-A Corpus Christi in a 57-pitch rehab start on Thursday.
“It’s huge news,” Espada said of Verlander’s possible return. “Not only what he does on the mound, but his presence in the clubhouse, having him around down a pennant race. What it means every time he takes the mound, what he brings out of the rest of the room, it’s huge.”
The 41-year old has been limited to 10 starts in 2024 after starting the season on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. He is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 57 innings. He needs to eclipse 140 innings to trigger a $35 million option for 2025.