Justin Verlander. Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Astros three-time Cy Young winner slowed by injury to start spring training

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 2/14/24

Starting pitcher Justin Verlander arrived at Houston Astros spring training on Wednesday and shared some concerning news for fans of the 2022 World Series champions.

Astros RHP Justin Verlander said he’s a couple of weeks behind and his timetable is TBA.

“When I first started playing catch I usually shut it down for a while and this time when I shut it down and picked a ball back up, my shoulder didn’t feel so great so I kind of had to take…
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 14, 2024

Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters that he believes Verlander's issue is "just some shoulder inflammation" and he thinks "he's gonna be fine."

Manager Joe Espada added that based on the conversations he's had with the righty, he's not concerned about the situation.

Verlander said Wednesday morning that he experienced a "hiccup" this offseason and his shoulder "didn't feel so great" earlier in the winter. The three-time AL Cy Young award winner added that it's "too far down the road" to predict if he could miss Opening Day.

Astros pitcher Justin Verlander on his “hiccup,” which he says has resolved itself. He’s a couple of weeks behind schedule. pic.twitter.com/tqMajczi6F
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 14, 2024

This is the second straight year where Verlander injury news has come up before the season even began.

While with the New York Mets last spring, the nine-time All-Star was placed on the 15-day injured list in late March due to a right teres major strain. Verlander's campaign was delayed until early May and he was eventually traded back to Houston on Aug. 1.

The 40-year-old ended up going 13-8 last season between Houston and New York, registering a 3.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 144 strikeouts over 162 1/3 innings pitched covering 27 starts.

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