Key Takeaways:
– Justin Verlander, the ace for the Houston Astros, is recovering slower than expected from his neck injury.
– Despite eligibility for reactivation on July 1, Verlander will extend his time on the bench.
– Astros Manager Joe Espada has confirmed that Verlander won’t join the team in New York.
– Verlander’s condition is being closely watched by the New York Mets due to financial obligations tied to his recovery.
Struggles for Verlander
Houston Astros’ star pitcher, Justin Verlander, has had a hard season. The renowned athlete kicked off the period on the injured list due to inflammation in his right shoulder. After making only ten starts, Verlander finds himself back on the injured list from neck discomfort since June 18. Now, despite his eligibility for reactivation since July 1, Verlander’s bench period seems set to continue.
Verlander’s Slow Recovery
On June 25, Chandler Rome, a correspondent for The Athletic, reported an update about Verlander’s recovery process from Astros’ manager, Joe Espada. The news wasn’t very encouraging. Verlander’s recovery is not going as smoothly as the team had hoped. Espada also stated that the ace pitcher hadn’t begun throwing yet due to soreness in his neck.
Additional updates from Espada on June 26, conveyed that Verlander wouldn’t be accompanying his team on their tour to New York. The Astros were set to play a three-match series with the New York Mets starting June 27. Espada mentioned that Verlander was showing improvement, but he hadn’t started playing catch yet.
Astros Need a Rally
Presently, the Astros stand second in the AL West, holding a 40-40 record as of June 26. The team is currently on a seven-game winning streak, indicating possible upward momentum. However, the Astros’ chances this season have been significantly hampered by numerous pitcher injuries. They desperately need new pitchers, and likely to prioritize acquiring at least one starter this season.
Astros’ GM, Dana Brown seemed confident about the team’s abilities to mount a comeback. In a conversation with Rome, he expressed his belief that the Astros would soon reach .500 and get back in the race.
Mets Watching Closely
The Mets, who traded Verlander in August 2023 and agreed to pay part of his future salaries, will be closely monitoring his recovery. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that if Verlander pitches 140 innings, the Mets will have to contribute $17.5 million to his $35 million player option for 2025. If he fails to reach the mark, the financial obligation is void. This certainly adds another dimension of interest to Verlander’s recovery timeline.
Conclusion
In the world of sports, anything can happen. Verlander’s slow recovery is undoubtedly causing distress, but there’s always hope for a turnaround. The experienced pitcher still has the chance to bounce back and fans, his team, and even the Mets, will eagerly be waiting to see how his journey unfolds.