Justin Verlander Exits Spring Training Start Early to Undergo Medical Testing
By Karl Rasmussen
The Houston Astros are gearing up for the regular season after what was a brutal offseason for the ball club. Unfortunately, things may have just gotten a whole lot worse in H-Town.
Astros ace Justin Verlander was anticipated to throw four innings during his spring start on Sunday against the Mets. But after throwing two scoreless innings, Verlander was removed from the game in order to undergo medical testing.
Was supposed to go 4 innings, left after 2 https://t.co/1da61FZd0x
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2020
The Astros have yet to provide an update on the reason for Verlander's premature departure from the game, but it's certainly a cause for concern.
The 37-year-old ace has reportedly been dealing with a right groin strain during the spring, though it's unclear if that ailment is related to his exit from Sunday's outing.
New #Astros from Houston Chronicle — Astros' Justin Verlander leaves spring game with undisclosed injury https://t.co/IA2xzZuwPz
— Greg Rajan (@GregRajan) March 8, 2020
In 2019, Verlander claimed the AL Cy Young award after going 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA and 300 strikeouts across 223 innings of work. Losing the veteran for any amount of time would be a significant blow for the Astros, especially following the offseason departures of Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley.
Dusty Baker provided an update following this contest, announcing that the move was precautionary.
Astros manager Dusty Baker said Justin Verlander reported right triceps soreness. He said taking him from the game was precautionary.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2020
Astros fans hope tests don't uncover anything deeper, though.