Dusty Baker blames Astros pitching injuries on short spring training

The Houston Astros have been ravaged by injuries for their pitchers thus far this season

While most Major League Baseball fans won’t show the Houston Astros any sympathy after they were caught in a sign-stealing scandal that rocked the bigs, there’s no question the early injuries they’ve faced this season have been a major concern.

Particularly with their pitchers, it feels like bad news is making its way to the clubhouse every day for manager Dusty Baker. So, what exactly is going on in Houston? If you ask Baker, not having enough time for his guys to prep during spring is definitely a big reason.

Will Astros star Justin Verlander be able to return from injury this season?

The biggest news that came out of Astros camp in recent days was on Justin Verlander. It was originally reported the former Cy Young winner would be out for the season due to an elbow injury, though the righty has since come out and said those reports were inaccurate and he’s hoping to get back on the bump this campaign.

Following the Verlander news, though, multiple other Astros pitchers have gotten dinged up, including Austin Pruitt, Ralph Garza, Chris Devenski and others. Keep in mind, Houston has only played four games this season.

As expected, the Astros have looked great, posting a 3-1 record early on this campaign. However, if their pitchers continue to go down at this rate, they won’t have anyone left for the postseason.

For now, all eyes will be on Verlander to see if he’ll indeed be able to return this year. He claims he has a forearm strain and is hopeful rest will do the trick and allow him to get back to help his team try and win another World Series.

Baker will surely hope that’s the case, but the status of his other injured hurlers needs to improve, and fast, as well.