ASTROS NEWS
Astros manager provides encouraging update on Houston's ace Justin Verlander
Apr 4, 2024, 3:02 pm
Fans can watch Verlander pitch in Sugar Land this Sunday. Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images.
Houston ace Justin Verlander is scheduled to make his first rehabilitation start at Triple-A Sugar Land Sunday.
The 41-year-old Verlander, who opened the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder, will throw a bullpen session Thursday in Houston before making his start this weekend.
Manager Joe Espada said he expects this to be the first of two minor league starts Verlander will make before he comes off the injured list.
“Just based on what I’ve seen and out of his live BPs and how he’s talking about how he feels, I think two starts... should be good enough,” Espada said.
Espada said they want Verlander to throw 70-75 pitches on Sunday and get up 85-90 in the following start.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is in his second stint in Houston after rejoining the team in a trade with the New York Mets in July.
He went 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA in 27 starts for the Mets and Astros last season.
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Former Lone Star rivals meet again in Clemson-Texas playoff matchup
Dec 17, 2024, 4:13 pm
Derek Stingley Jr. snagged two crucial interceptions against Miami. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
The Texans defense came through once again on Sunday, as they were able to hold the Dolphins to just twelve points, helping to secure a 20-12 win for Houston.
Sunday's victory, paired with a Colts loss, also clinched another division title for Houston, which guarantees they'll host a home playoff game. This is significant because Houston has played much better at home, and given some of the NFL's best quarterbacks fits.
However, the offense just hasn't clicked consistently this year, for a variety of reasons.
With all this in mind, how far can this defense take the Texans?
Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from ESPN Houston's Gallant and George weigh in.