Astros ace Justin Verlander has been sidelined. He was pulled out of his second Spring Training start, citing sore triceps. An MRI confirmed a lat strain. This injury will most likely keep him off the mound on Houston’s opening day.
USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale reported the news via Twitter on Monday afternoon.
Verlander is one of the best in the game, collecting two Cy Young Awards, a Triple Crown, an MVP, eight All-Star game selections and a 2017 World Series title. He led the league in wins, innings pitched and games started in 2019, becoming their true work horse pitcher.
He has also led the league in strikeouts in five different seasons. The most recent coming in 2018, his first full year in Houston. After losing another ace in Gerritt Cole to the rival New York Yankees during the offseason, this injury may hurt the Astros. A mild lat strain should not keep him out for too long, but if the injury progresses it will put a lot of pressure on the pitching staff.
The Astros will open their season in Houston against the Los Angeles Angels on March 26. Verlander will likely not be their starter.
Featured Image courtesy of The Houston Chronicle
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