The Houston Astros' sluggish start to the season could change with Justin Verlander confirmed to return against the Washington Nationals.
The team is currently at 6-14, the worst in the American League West division.
The nine-time All-Star started the offseason rehabbing a shoulder injury he incurred at last season's end.
Manager Joe Espada confirmed he will start the MLB 2024 season on the injured list.
Verlander shared that his work to get healthy is paying off.
"The first thing is health, and I came out of [Saturday's game] feeling good," he said.
"Obviously, I have some stuff to work on pitching-wise, but that's kind of what Spring Training is for and what rehab starts are for. I felt better last time than I did the [rehab start] before, so just keep building on that, and like I always do, kind of work on stuff in the bullpen in between and keep trying to make it click."
Astros players are feeling the heat with their disastrous start.
They are currently on a three-game losing streak, having won just twice in their last nine.
Third baseman Alex Bregman rues the losses, but he believes the team is not that far away from winning games.
"I feel like we're in a lot of games, but we just haven't found a way to win them," Bregman said. "Good teams find a way to win games, so we need to find a way to win games."
This is where Verlander comes in.
The veteran pitcher has been a leader since coming to the Astros mid-season last year.
He posted a 7-3 recorded with a 3.31 ERA in 11 regular-season starts last year with 68 innings.
However, expectations should be tempered for Verlander once he returns, as Espada has indicated that they will remain cautious about his health.
What will Justin Verlander's usage rate be?
Espada knows how much Verlander wants to help the team but insists they will not put everything on his shoulders yet.
For now, they will savor the fact that they have him back.
"It's good to get him back in the rotation and what it means to this club," he said.
"Just to get him back on track and get some innings from him, fill our rotation with the pieces that we need to move forward, it's exciting to have him back."
Verlander will be gradually incorporated into the team's offense.
Another good news for the Astros is the recovery of Framber Valdez, who was sidelined on April 9 due to a sore elbow.
Espada initially said he only expected him to be out for two starts.
MLB.com said Valdez could join the team in their eight-game road trip.
The Astros will face Washington from Friday to Sunday at the Nationals Park.
They will have a one-day rest before they travel to Chicago to face the Cubs. Then, Denver is next for a two-game series with the Colorado Rockies.
They will return home at the Minute Maid Park on April 30 for the Dollar Dog Night against the Cleveland Guardians.
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