When the first pitch of the Houston Astros' 2024 season is thrown, Justin Verlander will be 41 years old. Nothing in his play last campaign suggests he's lost his stuff, but it usually happens all at once.
Moreover, it may very well be that the veteran will not be on the mound during his team's opening match. That's because according to what Jason Bristol of the network reports KHOU 11 News Houstonthe main person concerned is currently behind in his preparation for the next season, due to a shoulder problem.
Even if this does not seem to worry him, there is no guarantee that he will be at his post on March 28. We are talking here about a delay of a few weeks in his program. Framber Valdez could then have the ball for Houston's season opener.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series champion spoke of spasms and added that he pitched three sessions in the bullpen to get back in shape.
Note that Verlander missed the first five weeks of the last campaign due to a shoulder problem that developed during spring camp.
At this point, this issue doesn't seem as concerning as the last one, but there is no timetable for when the right-hander might be ready to pitch in a game.
Verlander's contract has a player option in 2025 that will trigger if the athlete pitches 140 innings this season. This will therefore be something to watch out for if his absence continues.
The Mets could benefit from his absence, who would save $17.5 million if Verlander does not have his option.
Gunner is expected to earn $43.3 million in 2024.
