The Houston Astros placed Justin Verlander on the 10-day injured list due to a strained right forearm on Monday.
Astros place RHP Justin Verlander on the 10-day IL with a right forearm strain (retro to July 25). Also the club optioned IF Taylor Jones, recalled RHP Nivaldo Rodriguez and selected RHP Brandon Bielak to the Major League roster.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 27, 2020
Astros manager Dusty Baker said the injury happened during Verlander’s Opening Day start on Friday. Verlander went six innings and allowed two runs and three hits, stroke out seven and walked one on Friday.
“He’s shut down for a couple of weeks, and we’ll re-evaluate at that time,” Baker said. “That’s all I can tell you. He said he felt fine, and you see he was throwing the ball great. It was kind of a shock to all of us.”
The Houston Chronicle has reported that Verlander is out for the rest of the season. However, Verlander is disputing that report.
“The report that I’m currently missing the rest of the season is not accurate,” he tweeted. “There is a forearm strain… I’m hopeful that with some rest it will heal, and I’ll be able to return soon. Thank you for all the well wishes.”
The report that I’m currently missing the rest of the season is not accurate. There is a forearm strain… I’m hopeful that with some rest it will heal and I’ll be able to return soon. Thank you for all the well wishes. 🙏🏻
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) July 26, 2020
The Astros have recalled Nivaldo Rodriguez and Brandon Bielak and optioned infielder Taylor Jones. Verlander’s replacement will need to be found quickly since he was scheduled to start on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s game will be the first game Verlander has missed as an Astro.
