Astros' Justin Verlander to Start vs. Nationals on Friday After Shoulder Injury Rehab

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander, who began the season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, will make his 2024 debut on Friday when his team hosts the Washington Nationals.

Houston manager Joe Espada told the news to reporters on Wednesday, per Kristie Rieken of the Associated Press.

"We've got to be careful how hard we push him early," Espada said regarding the 41-year-old Verlander. "I know he's going to want to go and stay out there and give us an opportunity to win, but we've got to be cautious of how hard we push him early in the season."

Verlander, who made his MLB debut in 2005, is a nine-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner. He went 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA for the New York Mets and Astros last season.

Verlander has made two rehab starts while ramping up for his debut. Last Saturday, Verlander allowed five earned runs and seven hits while striking out three in four innings for Double-A Corpus Christi. He threw 77 pitches (51 strikes).

On April 7, Verlander allowed six earned runs and struck out six in three-plus innings for Triple-A Sugar Land.

Obviously, neither rehab start stat line is ideal, although the key is to get him ramped up for his MLB debut.

"Getting him back is huge because it brings a level of confidence to our team, a boost of confidence that we're going to get someone who's been an MVP, a Cy Young [winner] on the mound," Espada told reporters. "It's [good] for the morale and to get stuff started and moving in the right direction."

It's been a brutal start to the season for the Astros, who began Wednesday last in the AL West with a 6-13 record. They're also dealing with injuries in the rotation, with starters Framber Valdez and José Urquidy currently out right now.

Getting Verlander back certainly helps the team out as the Astros hope to engineer a turnaround.