The Houston Astros pitching staff has had all kinds of problems this year.
Of course, they have suffered injuries like most teams, but some of their most reliable guys have failed to pitch adequately, too.
As a team, the Astros are 29th in MLB in ERA, with a 5.39 mark.
There are 30 teams in the league so yes: they have been atrocious.
Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader, the two most reliable relievers, have ERAs over 9.00, and they had three starters with an ERA over 8.00 before Wednesday’s games: J.P. France, Hunter Brown, and Spencer Arrighetti.
They are in dire need of pitching help, but they are just a few days away from getting back a top starter.
“Justin Verlander will come off the IL and start for the Astros on Friday in Washington,” Astros insider Brian McTaggart tweeted.
Justin Verlander will come off the IL and start for the Astros on Friday in Washington.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 17, 2024
Verlander’s shoulder started barking in spring training and, for the second consecutive season, he entered the year on the injured list.
After a minor league rehab assignment, he has been appointed as Friday’s starter for Houston, representing the return of a potentially top hurler if fully healthy.
Verlander’s rehab stint was full of runs and hard-hit balls, but those shouldn’t be a concern or at least not yet.
He might still be a bit rusty, but once he gets into a groove, he is still good enough to lead the Astros rotation and his return will be welcomed with open arms given the state of the franchise.
The Astros are last in the AL West with a 6-13 record, so yes, they need him badly.
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