Astros Give No Timetable for Justin Verlander's Return After Shutting Him Down With Lat Strain
By Thomas Carannante
The Houston Astros are getting clowned every which way in Spring Training this year as the fallout from their sign-stealing scandal continues. Unfortunately, that's not even the worst news for them up until this point.
Star pitcher Justin Verlander, who mysteriously wasn't available to the media after his outing against the Mets on Sunday, has been diagnosed with a lat strain. He's been shut down and his status for Opening Day is in serious question.
Justin Verlander has a “mild lat strain,” general manager James Click said. He has been shut down.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 9, 2020
He threw two innings against the Mets and was removed from his start after being expected to pitch four frames.
The good news is that it's a "mild strain," but it's still a concerning injury given Verlander's age and the fact that specific muscle is important for pitchers in regards to their throwing motion. General manager James Click couldn't give a timetable for his return, which suggests he won't be ready for Opening Day in just over two weeks.
#Astros GM James Click calls it positive news but it's still concerning. Justin Verlander has a mild Lat strain and has been shut down for now. No time table on his return or if he'll be ready for opening day. @astros @abc13houston
— Bob Slovak (@BobSlovak13) March 9, 2020
The cautious decision here would be to wait and make sure Verlander is fully healthy and feeling as best he can before stepping on the mound again. In a year the Astros are expected to face a ton of adversity, they can't have their best pitcher on the shelf for too long.