Astros GM provides encouraging Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez injury updates

The 41-year-old veteran Verlander has been out of the lineup for Houston all season, due to the shoulder pain. He’s been working in the minor leagues for the past few weeks to help heal up, with double-A Corpus Christi. Verlander worked four innings for the minor league club on Saturday, in what is expected to be his final tune up before joining the Astros once again.

“Looking for him to feel well the next day and hopefully get him back out pitching for us here pretty soon,” Houston manager Joe Espada said, per the Associated Press.

Verlander is one of the most respected pitchers in the MLB. The hurler has won the Cy Young Award three times in his lengthy career, as well as two World Series championships. Verlander has a career record of 257-141, with a 3.24 ERA in more than 500 appearances on the mound.

Valdez injury status for Astros

Valdez suffered an elbow injury on April 9, landing him on the injured list. He’s been working to get it back in shape, and is expected to play catch on Tuesday for the team. Astros’ general manager Dana Brown says Valdez could join the team on its next road trip, per The Athletic.

“It’s not bothering me at the moment,” Valdez said through an interpreter, per the Houston Chronicle. “I don’t feel any soreness or anything like that. I’m going to play catch on Tuesday and then we’ll see how I feel after that.”

This is all very good news for Astros fans. Valdez is considered one of the jewels of the pitching rotation, and the team is hoping to lean on him to supply the club with a heavy load of innings. Valdez has won at least ten games each of the last three seasons, with a career-high 17 victories during the 2022 campaign. The hurler has a career 3.38 earned run average, and has been with the team since the 2018 season. Valdez has pitched in two games this season for Houston, and given up three runs without a decision.

The Astros are in action on Sunday against the Texas Rangers. The Astros lead in that game, at the time of writing. Houston is 5-11 on the season. The return of the two pitchers will undoubtedly make the Astros a better team, and fans are anxiously awaiting their return.