Justin Verlander on track to pitch for the Astros this season

The Houston Astros were dealt a major blow at the start of the season when their ace Justin Verlander suffered a forearm injury. Some even feared he would have to undergo potential season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Manager Dusty Baker and the Astros had already lost another ace and fellow CY Young candidate Gerrit Cole to the New York Yankees in free agency, and the rest of MLB was ready to pound on the Astros following their infamous sign-stealing scandal.

Now, however, it seems like they could get a much-needed boost in the mound, as Verlander is way ahead of schedule in his recovery and already tossed 50-55 pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday, as per the manager.

Justin Verlander Throws Bullpen Session, May Be Back This Season

Verlander would still need a couple of more bullpen sessions and face some batters at the team’s Alternate Site before being able to come back for the team but the fact that he’s already throwing half-a-hundred pitches is quite encouraging.

Some claim that Verlander’s injury was a bit of a blessing in disguise as the team unleashed Framber Valdez and he’s been outstanding to start the season. Luis García has also been pretty solid in limited work, while Zack Greinke continues to be his usual, dominating self.

Rookie pitcher Cristian Javier has been solid from an ERA standpoint (3.46 in 41.2 IP) but the rest of his stats haven’t been as impressive. They’ve also recently got José Urquidy back, although Lance McCullers Jr had to be sent back to the IL.

The Astros have struggled to be at their best this season with a 22-21 campaign and clearly the rest of the league hates their guts so they’re extra motivated every time they face them, so having Verlander back for the most important stretch of the season could be a huge boost for them.