Houston Astros Skipper Reveals Justin Verlander's Return Date

The Houston Astros are getting some much-needed pitching help back after the return date for their ace has been announced.

Sep 25, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

It's been a major struggle for the Houston Astros' starting pitchers early on this season.

There was some indication it might be a rocky start when they had to put Justin Verlander on the injured list during spring training because his shoulder issue caused him to come into camp behind schedule. He ultimately wasn't ready enough to make the Opening Day roster so they had to make the move.

While their ace was on the IL, Jose Urquidy joined him and was eventually followed by Framber Valdez, bringing their total starters sitting out with injury up to five as they still await the return of Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr.

Because of their short-handed staff, the Astros had to call up different pitchers from the minors and rely on second-year players, something that resulted in brutal results.

The good news is that Verlander is returning.

According to Will Kunkel of FOX 26 Houston, manager Joe Espada told reporters that their ace will be activated and start Friday's upcoming contest against the Washington Nationals.

This is a very welcome update for fans everywhere as the team currently sits in last place of the AL West division with a 6-13 record.

How Verlander performs will ultimately seen, but it would be difficult to have worse outings than what Houston has gotten from their starting rotation thus far.

The 41-year-old is hoping that he can deliver the same type of production that he had in 2023 after the Astros acquired him at the trade deadline when he posted a 7-3 record in 11 starts with a 3.31 ERA.

Verlander was expected to be the first one of the injured starters to return, so it should only be a matter of time before they have their normal unit back and ready to get things on track.