Astros ace Justin Verlander won't return this season amid Tommy John recovery

Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2020 after appearing in just one game for the Astros (six innings). 

Click said in December that he was hopeful Verlander could return at some point during the 2021 campaign, with an initial timetable of 12 to 14 months for recovery.

The 38-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the season. It's unclear if the Astros have any plans to re-sign him or allow him to walk. Verlander said earlier this summer he doesn't intend on retiring this winter, which means if he doesn't remain in Houston, he'll likely play elsewhere. 

The Astros are playing well despite the loss of Verlander, leading the American League West with a 74-52 record. Zack Greinke, Jose Urquidy, Luis Garcia, Framber Valdez, Jake Odorizzi and Lance McCullers Jr. have handled starting duties. 

Houston's pitchers have the fourth-best ERA in baseball at 3.61, and opponents' batting average against the club's rotation is .225, according to MLB Stats. 

If the rotation continues to pitch well through the end of the year, the Astros might think twice about re-signing Verlander to a lucrative deal.