Houston Astros

Dusty Baker’s comment on Justin Verlander’s injury should concern Astros fans

The Houston Astros skipper didn’t give a promising update on Justin Verlander

2020 hasn’t been too kind to the Houston Astros. They were proven guilty of stealing signs electronically throughout the 2017 MLB season and are in a bit of a slump to start off this campaign. Things got much bleaker for the Astros after ace pitcher Justin Verlander went down with a right forearm injury. It was initially believed to be a season-ending injury, but right-hander was adamant about attempting to return this year.

Well, those aspirations are just that…aspirations. While speaking with the media on Saturday, manager Dusty Baker said that Verlander is “not progressing as quickly as he’d like to,” from his right forearm strain. This isn’t the news that Astros fans wanted to hear during their weekend.

Verlander needs to be on mound for Houston to succeed in 2020

Verlander’s role on the Astros got even more important this past offseason after Gerrit Cole entered free agency and signed a mega-contract with the New York Yankees. He’s certainly the kind of athlete to take on that challenge without a doubt in his mind, but his 37-year-old body told him otherwise.

The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner pitched in one game this season, their home opener against the Seattle Mariners. In that game, Verlander struck out seven batters and surrendered two earned runs through six innings of work. After the game, Verlander was diagnosed with the forearm strain, putting his status for the remainder of the season in serious doubt.

Let’s not forget that Verlander suffered a minor lat strain during spring training and underwent right groin surgery.

Verlander isn’t the only player on Houston’s roster to get bit by the injury bug. This past Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, outfielder George Springer was struck in the wrist during an at-bat, but it was diagnosed to be a strain. Earlier this week, closer Roberto Osuna was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow injury. The initial diagnosis determined that Osuna needs Tommy John surgery, but he’s seeking a second opinion.

Excuse the pun, but Houston, you have a problem. An injury problem.

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