Justin Verlander Begins Rehab for Astros

In a promising return to the mound, 41-year-old pitcher Justin Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, threw 52 pitches during a rehab start, marking his first appearance since being sidelined for two months due to neck stiffness. The veteran allowed one run, recorded three strikeouts, and issued two walks, showcasing his potential to rejoin the Houston Astros' rotation. Astros manager Joe Espada expressed optimism about Verlander's recovery, indicating that the team would assess his condition before scheduling another rehab start. Verlander, who has not pitched since June 9, previously dealt with right shoulder inflammation at the start of the season. He made his season debut on April 19, finishing with a record of 3-2 and a 3.95 ERA over ten starts. Following his recent outing, Verlander reported feeling physically good, although he acknowledged that his execution could improve. He emphasized the challenge of refining mechanics during rehab starts compared to the more extensive practice available in spring training. Espada noted that Verlander's fastball reached speeds of 95 mph during the game, a positive sign for the team's pitching staff. Verlander, a two-time World Series champion with the Astros, had a brief stint with the New York Mets before being traded back to Houston in August of the previous year. The Astros are hopeful that Verlander will soon return to the major leagues, bolstering their playoff aspirations.