Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander will not make his Spring Training debut and has been scratched. Extra precautions have been taken so let’s examine.
TheHoustonAstros were able to go 1-1 today in some split-squad action between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets. The final decision was a 4-2 win over the Mets and a 7-5 loss over the Cards.
HoustonAstros relieverAustin Pruitt, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason, pitched three solid innings in his start, allowing just one hit and no earned runs.Michael Brantleywas 2-for-2 with one RBI andOscar Salazar, a 7th-round pick from the 2018 Draft, had the lone homer for the club, going 1-for-1 in the pinch.
In the Cards’ game, rising starJose Urquidyhad one punchout, two earned runs and hits with one walk through 1.1 innings pitched. Top pitching prospectForrest Whitleystruggled, allowing three earned, two hits, one strikeout and one walk.
Myles Strawcontinued his rambunctious streak by going 2-for-3 along with three ribbies.
Just based on what transpired within these games, it certainly appears our pitching staff has some rust to knock off, to which I’m sure that will be done as time progresses through this month and the next.
But speaking of available staff, we know thatJustin Verlanderwill not be making his debut in the Grapefruit League tomorrow evening against the Washington Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
Verlander is experiencing discomfort in his groin and will throw a simulated game insteadto which MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart is reporting is an indication that the injury is not as bad is it
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It’s apparent thatDusty Bakeris taking extra precautions in ensuring that he’s not throwing Verlander out there when he’s not ready to go, possibly aggravating his injury.
Cristian Javier, who has been in theHoustonAstros’ organization since 2015, will get the start in place of the reigning ALCy YoungAward Winner.
I’m all for this move because he’s one of the most important pieces this team has, even at the ripe age of 36-years-old.
Verlander typically isn’t a guy that’s on the shelf a lot so I expect this injury to be a minor setback and he’ll get back out there to strut his amazing stuff once he’s 100 percent in terms of feel.
I know this is a bummer for thoseHoustonAstros fans in West Palm Beach that were looking forward to seeing Verlander out on the mound tomorrow night but this decision is definitely for the better and I’m positive they understand that.
Until then, get well soon J.V.!
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