There is already uncertainty regarding the starting pitcher for the Houston Astros when they host the New York Yankees on March 28 with Opening Day less than a month away.
Justin Verlander would win out if everyone was in good health.
That isn’t the case, though.
Due to a shoulder injury, the Astros star pitcher arrived to camp several weeks behind schedule. His availability for Opening Day and the beginning of the year has been called into question as a result.
Houston probably doesn’t want to accelerate this process, especially with Verlander being 41 years old, because that may mean he’s out longer and during the most important games.
When he threw 60 pitches in a bullpen session on Sunday, he advanced to a stage where he should be closer to facing live batters.
“J.V. seemed very positive and optimistic, and I really liked the way he felt.” He felt great even from pitch number one to pitch sixty.
Manager Joe Espada stated, “Hopefully, he’s there where we can move forward and start scheduling a live BP,” as reported by MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart.
It’s critical to reach that live action if they want their ace ready for Opening Day.
It will be harder for Verlander to be ready the longer he goes without facing live batters.
Both the organization and the standout pitcher are aware of this.
What happens next will depend largely on how he feels on Monday. If he’s feeling okay, the Astros will surely start setting aside some time to play live batters; if he’s sore, he won’t likely play in the season’s opening series.
