3 former Astros failing miserably on their new team
Some key Houston Astros from 2022 are no longer with the team. And that is a good thing.
A season removed from winning the 2022 World Series, the Houston Astros are missing some players that were key to their success. However, those players aren’t having success in their new place.
With a record of 12-11, the Astros are sitting in second place behind their in-state rival Texas Rangers. The Astros are struggling as they are down some key players to the injured list in Jose Altuve, Lance McCullers Jr., Michael Brantley, and Chas McCormick.
Let’s examine the Astros players who moved on to new clubs but aren’t having the success they did in Houston.
Justin Verlander still hasn’t debuted for the Mets
Verlander signed with the Mets this offseason to two year $86.667 million deal. He has a 2025 vesting option which will become a player option with 140 innings pitched in 2024.
On opening day, Verlander went on the injured list with a teres major muscle strain in the shoulder. He had a rehab outing with Double-A Binghampton in which he threw 4.2 scoreless innings.
Justin Verlander's line is complete in his rehab start today with Binghamton.
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 28, 2023
He threw 69 pitches, 52 for strikes. pic.twitter.com/X6Ti3KDVCj
Verlander is a 17-year veteran pitcher, a three-time Cy Young winner, the 2006 Rookie of the Year, an MVP, and a two-time World Series champ. He knows his body, and the Mets must be hopeful he is right about his anticipation to be ready to go next week.
Even after a successful outing, Mets manager Buck Showalter wanted to ensure he recovered well over the weekend before committing him to make his Mets debut this week against the Tigers.
Max Scherzer should also return to the rotation next week after his 10-game suspension for the alleged use of a sticky substance. Carlos Carrasco and Jose Quintana are on the long-term injured list. The starting rotation has Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill.
The Mets rotation needs Verlander. But it needs Verlander to be healthy and good to go. Hopefully, he recovers well and is fit to make his debut.
Remember, Verlander is 40. He’s a tremendous athlete. But he is 40.