Astros’ Justin Verlander ‘Felt Strong’ During Bullpen Session…
Justin Verlander reported feeling strong after a bullpen session on Sunday in Houston, according to Astros manager Joe Espada. This positive sign indicates that Verlander is likely to rejoin the Astros’ starting rotation on Wednesday when they face the Red Sox.
Verlander has been sidelined since June 9 due to a neck strain and has pitched only 57 innings this season, with earlier setbacks from shoulder inflammation following spring training. However, after completing two minor league rehab outings, Sunday’s bullpen session appears to be the final step in his recovery.
While Verlander’s return looks promising, Luis Garcia’s situation remains uncertain. According to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, as of Friday, Garcia has not resumed throwing since being shut down over two weeks ago due to soreness. This marks the second setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in May 2023.
Normally, he would have been expected to return to the majors by now, but the Astros are considering using him as a reliever rather than a starter. However, time is running out for Garcia to get back into playing shape and rejoin the team in any capacity.
More from the American League:
Twins athletic trainer Nick Paparesta provided updates on injured players, including Byron Buxton and Chris Paddack. Buxton, who received a cortisone shot for his inflamed right hip, has started low-impact workouts, and Paparesta believes progress is being made.
Buxton’s hip problems have a history, with previous injuries potentially leading to his current issues. Paddack, meanwhile, is scheduled for an MRI on Aug. 27 after a left forearm strain sidelined him on July 17. Depending on the results, his return timeline will become clearer, though he’s already begun light throwing in preparation for a possible return before the end of the season.
The Rangers also saw positive steps in the recoveries of their injured veteran starters over the weekend. Max Scherzer threw a bullpen session on Sunday, while Jacob deGrom and Jon Gray each participated in three-inning simulated games on Saturday.
Gray appears closest to returning and could rejoin the Rangers as a reliever during their upcoming series with the Pirates, or potentially start against the Guardians later in the week. Gray has been out since July 29 due to a right groin strain. DeGrom, on the other hand, is set to begin a Double-A rehab assignment this week, his first game action since Tommy John surgery in June 2023.
Scherzer, who has been dealing with shoulder fatigue since July 30, has not yet decided whether he will go on a rehab assignment or pitch a live batting practice session next.
Finally, Tarik Skubal of the Tigers delivered another strong performance on Sunday, helping Detroit to a 3-2 victory over the Yankees. Skubal allowed just one run over six innings, raising his season total to a career-high 155 1/3 innings pitched. With Detroit out of the playoff race, manager A.J. Hinch hinted that Sunday’s game might be Skubal’s last start on regular rest this season as the team manages his workload, though he won’t be shut down entirely as he competes for the AL Cy Young award.
