Houston Astros set date on Justin Verlander's return

The Houston Astros are about to get a major boost towards the end of the MLB season, as it seems like Justin Verlander – who many people feared could miss the whole campaign – continues to work on his rehabilitation.

The American League Cy Young winner suffered some stiffness in his forearm and a lot of people speculated he may have to undergo Tommy John surgery, which at that point in his career could have been the end.

Now, however, it seems like Verlander has been putting on a lot of good work and throwing bullpen sessions of at least 50 pitches each. And with the Astros in contention for a spot in the playoffs, he may be back rather sooner than later.

Houston Astros Eyeing September 24 For Justin Verlander’s Return

And, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Dusty Baker’s team is confident in Verlander’s ability to get back on the mound on September 24. That way, he could be ready and in his best shape for the postseason.

“If Justin Verlander comes back — and the Astros are feeling confident about that — then it would make sense if his next regular-season start would fall on Sept. 24, so he could line up for Game 1 of the postseason,” read the report.

Verlander would throw again in time for the series opener vs. the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. With Texas far from contention and already planning ahead to next season, that’ll be an ideal setting for him.

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Houston recently lost Lance McCullers Jr due to injury but got José Urquidy back. Zack Greinke has been as dominant as usual, while Luis García and Framber Valdez have been pretty solid for them as well.

Justin has only pitched once this season – a 6-inning outing with just 2 hits, 2 earned runs, and 7 strikeouts, and getting him back on the mound would be a major boost for an Astros team trying to silence their critics after the sign-stealing scandal.