Houston Astros' start to the season has not been that ideal, and now, they will have to face the next few weeks without starting pitcher Framber Valdez.
The team confirmed that the 30-year-old left-handed pitcher is put on a 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.
He was supposed to start for the team in their series opener against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday but was scratched at the last minute after the injury was discovered.
Valdez last played on April 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted a 2.19 ERA.
Manager Joe Espada said Valdez will need time to recover and hopes he will only miss two starts and be back on the mound soon.
They will also closely monitor his progress.
I didn't get any news on the ligament, just inflammation in that elbow," Espada said.
"We'll see where he's at in a day or two. We can get him back throwing and then we can assess how quickly we can get him back going. I think that's pretty decent news."
As a precaution and backup, the Astros picked up the contract of right-hander Wander Suero from Triple-A Sugar Land. They also recalled Space Cowboys' left-hander Parker Mushinski.
Valdez out, Verlander returning soon?
While the news of Valdez's injury is disappointing, Houston Astros fans can find solace in the update that future Hall of Fame member Justin Verlander is back throwing again.
The nine-time All-Star, recovering from a shoulder injury since the end of last season, threw for the Triple-A Sugar Land in the minors against Las Vegas.
Although the record was not good-six earned runs and seven hits in three-plus innings-Verlander felt great about his outing.
"I did accomplish my No. 1 goal, which was to throw 65 pitches and feel healthy," Verlander told reporters.
"In an ideal world, you go out there and the timing is right, and everything is where you want it to be, but it's not super realistic. My timing was a little off, so my pitches were a little erratic. Time on the mound is the only thing that can help resolve that."
Overall, the 41-year-old veteran averaged 93.5 mph on his fastball and hit 95.5 mph at most. He threw 32 fastballs, 17 sliders, 11 changeups, and five curveballs.
Espada also thought Verlander had an optimistic outing.
Verlander is expected to be activated for the roster later this April.
His next rehab phase is the second Minor League rehab by the weekend.
He came to the Astros mid-season last year from the New York Mets. He posted a 3.31 ERA in 11 regular-season starts (68 innings) and was 7-3 overall.
Other pitchers on Houston Astros' injured list are right-hander Shawn Dubin and José Urquidy, both out with right forearm strain. The former is expected to return this month, while the latter will be back by May.
Kendall Graveman is also out for the season.
Related article: Rangers Coach Bruce Bochy Provides Update on Jacob deGrom's Injury
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