As the Houston Astros gear up for their matchup against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, all eyes are on the return of veteran pitcher Justin Verlander. This will mark Verlander's first appearance at the major league level for the Astros since June 9, and at the age of 41, his return is nothing short of remarkable.
Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been sidelined due to neck soreness. His comeback is eagerly anticipated as he rejoins a rotation that has sorely missed his presence. "Justin Verlander will make his return to the Houston Astros rotation on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox," confirmed Manager Joe Espada.
Verlander, who has been honored as a nine-time All-Star, missed the start of the season due to right shoulder inflammation and has only made 10 starts this season. Despite these setbacks, he holds a respectable 3.95 ERA (102 ERA+) and boasts an impressive 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Challenges and Expectations
Fellow right-hander Luis Garcia has also faced a challenging season, having undergone Tommy John surgery last May. Garcia's rehabilitation process has been marred by several setbacks, but he remains determined to continue throwing with the aim of being ready for next spring. Over his 69 career appearances, Garcia has compiled a solid 3.61 ERA (113 ERA+) and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Lance McCullers Jr. is another pitcher set to miss the rest of the campaign, adding to the rotation woes for the Astros. The team's pitching staff has certainly faced its share of adversity this season.
Astros' Season Performance
Despite these challenges, the Astros entered Monday with a four-game lead in the American League West over the Seattle Mariners. This is a significant turnaround for a team that had trailed by 10 games as recently as June 18. The three-game set against the Red Sox, which starts Monday night, will be followed by a four-game series against the Orioles kicking off on Thursday.
The return of Justin Verlander could serve as a pivotal moment for the Astros. His seasoned arm and leadership on the mound are expected to provide a much-needed boost as they continue their push for a strong finish to the season.