The Houston Astros are hoping are get back to the World Series in 2024.
That is a place they have become all too familiar with being the top team of the past decade.
Last season, they lost in Game 7 of the ALCS to the division-rival Texas Rangers.
You can bet that left a bad taste in their mouth.
In 2024, the Astros look as loaded as ever from a roster standpoint.
They added closer Josh Hader in the offseason and he joins an already stout bullpen.
Plus, the Astros still have one of the best lineups in baseball.
But, what might be the Achilles heel of the team is their starting pitching.
One veteran starter who they will be relying on is Justin Verlander.
But, at 41 years old, health has become a problem.
Verlander is already set to begin the season on the injured list as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
According to Brian McTaggart, Verlander was back on the mound on Friday.
He was even able to throw 60 pitches.
Verlander said he ramped up the intensity, threw 60-ish pitches and was throwing in the low 90s. https://t.co/Aw31u3lAaX
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2024
It seems likely Verlander will not miss any more than the allotted 10 days on the injured list.
He is already ramping up throwing and should be ready to face live hitters soon.
Even though Verlander is not the pitcher he once was, he can still be quite effective.
Getting hitters out is something Verlander has always been good at.
Even though his stuff is no longer overpowering, he should be a good source of innings this year for Houston.
This is great news for the Astros, who will be happy to welcome Verlander back early in the season.
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