Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander announced he will need Tommy John surgery on Saturday.
Just earlier this week, the Houston Astros were hopeful that starting pitcher Justin Verlander was poised to return from his strained forearm injury ahead of the postseason. But, in shocking news, Verlander announced he will not pitch again in 2020, opting to undergo Tommy John surgery instead.
Verlander announced this news on Saturday via an Instagram post.
Justin Verlander announces he will undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his attempt to return this season.
— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2020
(via JustinVerlander/IG) pic.twitter.com/jdsQdhFzsi
On Wednesday, the two-time Cy Young Award winner threw 24 pitches in a simulated game at Minute Maid Park. According to the post, Verlander felt something during this simulated game and after consulting with doctors, decided Tommy John surgery was his best option.
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 19, 2020
Verlander has not thrown a pitch for the Astros since his Opening Day win over the Seattle Mariners on July 24. Houston has struggled in 2020. Currently, the Astros are 25-26 and sit seven games back of the AL West division-leading Oakland Athletics.
Houston still retains the sixth seed in the AL Postseason picture as they sit second in the AL West standings. Undoubtedly, Verlander’s return was projected as a potential boost to the struggling Astros. Houston now sits with more questions than answers.