Astros have return date in mind for ace Justin Verlander

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker has a target date for ace Justin Verlander to return from injury.

The Houston Astros were rolling past the All-Star break, thanks in part to the unreal performances by ace pitcher Justin Verlander. However, he has been sidelined since the end of August due to a calf injury. For Astros fans wondering when Verlander can return to the mound, the answer could be “very soon.”

Astros manager Dusty Baker said, via the Houston Chronicle’s Chandler Rome, that the tentative plan is for Verlander to return for the team’s Friday, Sept. 16 game against the Oakland Athletics. However, Baker said that it is not finalized.

Astros have tentative plan for Justin Verlander’s return

This will certainly be welcome news for the Astros faithful, as the team looks to close out the year and clinch the top seed in the American League.

On the Aug. 28 game against the Baltimore Orioles, Verlander left after three innings of work due to a right calf injury. It was later revealed to be fascial disruption, and that he avoided muscle fiber disruption.

Verlander made his return from Tommy John surgery, and has pitched like he did back in his prime. Through 24 starts, he leads the league in ERA (1.84), wins (16), win percentage (.842), ERA+ (208), and WHIP (0.855). Hence why Verlander is considered the favorite to win the AL Cy Young award for the third time of his career.

Since Verlander had been sidelined, the Astros have gone 11-3 following their 2-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sept. 14.

Astros fans will be waiting for the official announcement of when Verlander can return to help the team clinch the AL West.