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The Houston Astros are 57-55 and a game and a half back of the Seattle Mariners for the AL West division lead. In what promises to be an exciting stretch of baseball, both teams will look to win as many games as they can to secure the division and a postseason birth.
The Astros could certainly benefit from a boost to their starting rotation, as their pitching ranks 14th in the MLB in ERA (3.98). Justin Verlander, who has been one of the best pitchers in baseball for about 20 years now and is nearing his return from injury, could definitely be where they look to get that boost.
The 41-year-old is nearing the end of his career. However, he still has something left in the tank as he looks to play a critical role for the Astros down the stretch of the 2024 season.
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Justin Verlander Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball
Verlander has been dealing with injuries throughout the season, having only made 10 starts in 2024. He was most recently placed on the 15-day injured list on June 16 due to neck discomfort and is now finally nearing his return.
Verlander threw 37 pitches in a simulated game on Sunday and said that he felt great with where his stuff was at.
The Astros’ Justin Verlander throwing a live bp with Aledmys Diaz taking swings. Trey Cabbage also will be hitting off Verlander. pic.twitter.com/WvRE7a81mU
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) August 4, 2024
His next step would be to go on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues, where he said he would need two outings before rejoining Houston's rotation. This could mean that he should rejoin the team within a couple of weeks.
Justin Verlander Fantasy Baseball Outlook
Verlander pitched in Houston for five years before he was eventually traded back there in 2023. He won the Cy Young Award twice with the ‘Stros in 2019 and 2022. In his 10 starts this season, Verlander is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched.
Even though his future beyond this year is uncertain, Verlander will still be in Houston's rotation for the rest of the season, barring any other setbacks. He will be given the ball in critical spots where he has proven that he can deliver time and time again. He will likely rank third in Houston's starting depth chart, behind Framber Valdez and Ronel Blanco.
He may not have the strikeout numbers that he used to have, but Verlander still has plenty of fantasy value. With the lack of pitching depth around the league, expect Verlander to still be a very good starting option when he returns.
Justin Verlander, 95mph Paint. pic.twitter.com/D1aFi8Yb5b
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 12, 2024
