They say it is not how you start but how you finish, but building momentum through a stronger first half of the season is not a bad idea.
The MLB Opening Day for the 2024 season is fast approaching, and many teams have prepared themselves well by signing new players and keeping key contributors.
However, some clubs will need major adjustments after their top stars have been confirmed to be out for various reasons.
Among them are the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Best players set to miss the opening day on March 28
1. Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros
Nine-time All-Star Justin Verlander will start the season on the injured list after being temporarily shut down, including their opening game against the New York Yankees.
The IR designation is part of his recovery from his injury late last season.
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Astros manager Joe Espada cleared that it is not another setback for the future Hall of Fame member.
In February, Verlander discussed his recovery progress and said that he was not in a hurry, although he was already behind schedule.
"I guess my body doesn't respond the same at 40 as it did at 25, so I'm a couple of weeks behind," Verlander said. "Let's see how things go. If it ends up a little late, it's a little late. If it's on time, it's on time. I'm not trying to rush."
2. Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox
Unlike Justin Verlander's case, Giolito's absence is indefinite.
The 29-year-old right-hand pitcher was acquired by the Red Sox from the Cleveland Guardian over the summer, with expectations of being the new cornerstone of the franchise.
He will be out for a significant amount of time. Officially, the diagnosis, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, is that he "likely has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain."
"Yeah, extremely disappointing," Giolito told reporters about the setback.
"I've always prided myself on posting, staying healthy. You know, I've done everything in my power to do so. I haven't dealt with a serious injury in a very long time, so [it] definitely sucks a lot."
Giolito shared that the discomfort on his elbow occurred in their Match 1 game against the Minnesota Twins.
3. Sonny Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals
Sonny Gray was visibly upset when he was led off the field after suffering a mild right hamstring strain during their spring training game against the Washington Nationals.
It was later confirmed that he had tightness in his hamstring after an MRI.
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said they received good news that it was just a mild strain, although they will not put a timeline on his return date.
The stacked Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Cardinals on March 28.
4. Aledmys Díaz of the Oakland Athletics
Diaz is Oakland's highest-paid position player at $8 million this season, but he will not join the team for two to three weeks after being put on the injured list.
Manager Mark Kotsay confirmed that he suffered a strained groin, and after undergoing an MRI, it was revealed that it was not just a minor injury. He played two games in spring training and made a good account of himself.
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