HOUSTON (AP) — Astros ace Justin Verlander will throw a side session Tuesday, and if that goes well he’ll make his season debut this weekend against the Washington Nationals. Houston manager Joe Espada made the announcement Monday, but wouldn’t say which game of the series Verlander would start. The three-game set begins Friday night. “He’s in a good spot,” Espada said. “He feels good. He feels confident. He wants to contribute. He knows that we need him on the mound, we need his presence and right now and he’s right where he needs to be.” The three-time Cy Young Award winner opened the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder. He made two rehabilitation starts, the first for Triple-A Sugar Land on April 7 before Saturday’s start for Double-A Corpus Christi. Verlander spoke to reporters before Espada announced his plans for the 41-year-old, who deferred to the manager on questions regarding his return. But he did discuss his health. |
Childhood friend asks for help to solve mystery death of 'caring and loving' motherKim's sister denies North Korea has supplied weapons to RussiaKim's sister denies North Korea has supplied weapons to RussiaIsrael will respond to genocide charges at UN court after South Africa urgently requests ceaseGeorgia Republican files for divorce from glamorous oncologist after seven childrenHezbollah introduces new weapons and tactics against Israel as war in Gaza drags onRevealed: Reservoir 'at heart of' Devon crisis that's left 40,000 homes with undrinkable waterThe latest hot spot for illegal border crossings is San Diego. But routes change quicklyFederal agency takes control of investigation of fiery train derailment in New MexicoGeorgia Republican files for divorce from glamorous oncologist after seven children