Astros' Justin Verlander: Goes seven innings in no-decision
Rotowire
Verlander pitched seven innings in a no-decision against the Guardians on Wednesday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two.
Verlander allowed the leadoff man to reach in four of his seven innings of work but managed to limit the damage to only two runs, both of which came across in the top of the fifth. The veteran right-hander struggled to get ahead in the count for much of the contest and has now issued at least three walks in back-to-back starts, though he's still held opposing teams to two or fewer runs in all three outings to open the campaign. Wednesday also marked Verlander's first start this season in which he's gone at least seven innings.
Verlander didn't factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three hits and four walks with seven strikeouts over 4.1 scoreless innings against the Cubs.
Verlander couldn't complete five innings Thursday, getting pulled after 95 pitches. His inefficiency and lack of control led to four walks, but he kept each baserunner from reaching home plate. Through two starts Verlander owns a 1.74 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 10.1 innings. A matchup with the Guardians likely awaits next week.
Astros' Justin Verlander: Secures win in season debut
Rotowire
Verlander (1-0) picked up the win in Friday's 4-2 victory over the Nationals, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.
The 41-year-old right-hander didn't look like a pitcher who had missed the first three-plus weeks of the season on the IL due to shoulder trouble. Verlander fired 50 of 78 pitches for strikes, and his two fastest pitches of the night - 95.0 and 94.9 mph four-seamers to Jesse Winker - came against the final batter he faced. The Astros will likely keep a careful eye on his workload, but Verlander looks ready to step into his usual role at the top of the rotation. He lines up to make his next trip to the mound next week on the road against the Cubs.
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Astros' Justin Verlander: Reinstated ahead of season debut
Rotowire
Verlander (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and is starting Friday against the Nationals.
Verlander missed the first few weeks of the season rehabbing from a shoulder issue but will make his 2024 debut Friday in Washington. According to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, manager Joe Espada said the Astros plan to limit the veteran right-hander to around 80-85 pitches, which would be a minor increase on the 77 pitches Verlander threw in his final rehab start.
