The much-anticipated rehab start of Justin Verlander for the Houston Astros’ Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys did not go as smoothly as fans had hoped. The veteran right-hander struggled, allowing six earned runs and only pitching into the fourth inning. Despite striking out six batters, Verlander faced challenges with his control, throwing 46 of 65 pitches for strikes.
Verlander started the game strong, retiring his first four batters. However, he soon ran into trouble, giving up hits to the next six batters, five of which resulted in extra bases and led to five runs. This performance raised concerns about his readiness to return to the majors after beginning the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder.
After the game, Verlander admitted that his timing was off, resulting in erratic pitches. He acknowledged that time on the mound would be crucial for him to regain his form and work through the challenges he faced during his rehab start. Despite the disappointing outing, Verlander expressed satisfaction in achieving his primary goal of throwing 65 pitches and feeling healthy.
Astros manager Joe Espada commented on Verlander’s performance, noting that his “stuff looked good” with solid velocity and pitches. Espada emphasized the importance of how Verlander would bounce back from the outing and recover in the following days. The manager remained hopeful that Verlander’s next rehab start would show improvement and readiness to rejoin the Astros.
As Verlander looks ahead to his next rehab start, it is clear that there is work to be done to address the issues he faced in his first appearance. The Astros will closely monitor his progress and make decisions based on his performance and health. With expectations high for the veteran pitcher, the focus will be on his ability to overcome challenges and return to form as a key contributor to the team.
Justin Verlander’s rehab start highlighted both his struggles and determination to work through setbacks. While the outing was less than ideal, it provided valuable insights for Verlander and the Astros as they prepare for his return to the majors. With a focus on improvement and recovery, Verlander aims to regain his top form and make a significant impact for his team.