MLB Rumors: Triceps Soreness Forces Velander Out Of Spring Game

The Houston Astros saw starting pitcher Justin Verlander exit early in their spring game Sunday against the New York Mets and there is now growing concern on the status of the 37-year-old player. The eight-time All-Star was originally scheduled to throw four innings but left early due to triceps soreness.

Verlander is set to get additional testing after he was limited to only two frames Sunday, the Houston Chronicle reported. But looking at his pitches, his throws are noticeably low compared to the 94.6 mph fastball he threw last MLB season. He has been throwing between 91-93 MPH on the stadium radar gun.

Right now, there is no official word on whether Verlander will be missing games with the triceps soreness. But according to the latest update from The Detroit News, Verlander is feeling much better now but is still waiting for his triceps MRI.

When Verlander was pulled out Sunday, Astros manager Dusty Baker said the move was more of a precautionary one. Though he is feeling better, there is a growing concern in the air with the Astros possibly running into trouble if the former World Series champion would be forced to take some time off.

Even at the age of 37, Verlander has proven to be tough. He has thrown at least 200 innings in 12 of the last 13 seasons and has made 30 or more starts. If he needs some time off, the Astros may need to turn to Lance McCullers Jr., Josh Games, and Jose Urquidy. Also out due to injury is Zank Greinke.

Verlander's potential absence is likely to be a big blow to the Astros heading into the regular season. Since joining the team via trade, the 2011 AL MVP has been posting a 2.45 ERA and a 7.54 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 73 starts.

Prior to the soreness on his right tricep, there was the word that Verlander has been dealing with groin issues. But for now, the official word is that it was the 37-year-old's right tricep and most are now eager to see the real score.

It has been a tough couple of weeks for the Astros who were embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal that dates back to 2017. Former pitcher Mike Fiers, who played for the Astros back in 2017, revealed how the organization used a video camera in center field to film the opposing catcher's signs to the pitchers. An MLB investigation confirmed the Astros did illegally use cameras in 2017, the same year they won the World Series. The illegal practice carried on until some parts of 2018 but not in 2019.