So far this season, the Houston Astros have one of the worst pitching staffs in the American League statistically, but that could all change when Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, and Jose Urquidy return from the IL. The first to possibly return from injury is Justin Verlander.
Verlander sustained a shoulder injury during Spring Training that sidelined him for a few weeks until last week when he made his first rehab start for the Astros’ Triple-A squad, the Sugarland Space Cowboys, against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Verlander’s final line in that game was 3 IP, 6 ER, 1 BB, and 6 SO, all while only throwing 65 pitches, 46 of which were strikes.
Verlander’s second rehab start was with the Astros’ Double-A squad, the Corpus Christi Hooks, against the Frisco RoughRiders. The Hooks defense coughed up some runs, as Verlander went 4 IP, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO while ramping up his workload to 77 pitches.
Astros manager Joe Espada had stated before Verlander went on any rehab assignments that he’d only need about 1-2 before they add him back to the starting rotation. With that being said, it’s not totally out of the question that Verlander could get the nod to start the series opener on Friday against the Nationals in Washington.
Gaining Verlander back could be the spark the Astros need to really get going this season. They’ve struggled pitching-wise with a team ERA of 5.34, which ranks last in the American League. Houston could also get Framber Valdez back within the upcoming week if all goes well for him, and then Urquidy by the end of May. Garcia and McCullers are projected to return in June if all goes well.
The Astros have struggled early, but it’s only a matter of time before their pitching staff gets a much-needed boost to hopefully catapult them back into the postseason.
Main Image Credit Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
