Justin Verlander’s recent rehab start with the Houston Astros’ Triple-A team, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, did not go quite as planned. The veteran right-hander allowed a significant amount of earned runs (six in total) and was only able to pitch into the fourth inning. While he did show some flashes of his former self by striking out six batters, the fact that he allowed hits to six of the next ten batters he faced raises some concerns.
Verlander mentioned after the game that his number one goal was to throw 65 pitches and feel healthy, which he accomplished. However, this does not take away from the fact that his timing was off, leading to some erratic pitches. As a pitcher, having control and command of your pitches is crucial, and it seems like Verlander still has some work to do in that regard.
Astros manager Joe Espada commented on Verlander’s performance, mentioning that his “stuff looked good” with a fastball velocity of 95 mph. However, he also emphasized the importance of how Verlander will bounce back the day after the start. This highlights the fact that while velocity and pitch movement are important, consistency and recovery are equally crucial for a pitcher, especially one coming off an injury.
Verlander, who was reacquired by the Astros from the New York Mets last July, is expected to make at least one more rehab start in the minors. This additional start will give him more opportunities to fine-tune his mechanics and build up his pitch count before potentially rejoining the Astros’ rotation. It will be interesting to see how Verlander progresses in his next outing and whether he can make the necessary adjustments to be successful at the major league level.
In addition to Verlander, Astros right-hander Shawn Dubin also made his first rehab appearance, striking out two batters and throwing 16 of 22 pitches for strikes. His performance showed some promise, and it will be intriguing to see how he progresses in his recovery from a right forearm strain. Having multiple pitchers on rehab assignments should provide the Astros with some depth and flexibility as they navigate the grueling major league season.
Justin Verlander’s recent rehab start may not have gone as planned, but it is just one step on his road to recovery. With the right adjustments and continued work, there is no doubt that he has the potential to return to form and make a significant impact for the Astros. The upcoming rehab outings will be crucial in determining his readiness for a return to the big leagues, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his comeback.
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