Houston's Justin Verlander Set for Rehab Start with Triple-A Sugar Land
- Justin Verlander, the Houston Astros pitcher, is set to start a rehab game with Triple-A Sugar Land.
- This is a crucial step in his recovery from neck stiffness that has kept him out of play for two months.
- Fans are hopeful for his successful return to the major leagues.
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land as he works to recover from neck stiffness that has kept him off the mound for two months. The 41-year-old right-hander will pitch on Saturday night, following a recent bullpen session with the Astros. Verlander has indicated that he will require two rehab starts before he can rejoin the major league team. Verlander has not taken the field since June 9, having previously missed the start of the season due to right shoulder inflammation. In his ten appearances this season, he recorded a 3-2 record with a 3.95 ERA, making his season debut on April 19. The two-time World Series champion initially left the Astros for the New York Mets in free agency before the 2023 season but was traded back to Houston in August of the previous year. As the active leader in major league wins with 260, Verlander is also second in strikeouts among active players, trailing only Max Scherzer, who has 3,404 strikeouts compared to Verlander's 3,393. The upcoming rehab start is a crucial step in Verlander's journey back to full health and competitive play. In a nod to Verlander's popularity, Sugar Land plans to distribute bobbleheads of the pitcher to the first 2,000 fans attending Saturday's game, highlighting his significance to the Astros and their fanbase.