Astros eyeing a return date for ace Justin Verlander

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

That Houston Astros rolled past the All-Star break, thanks in part to ace pitcher Justin Verlander’s unreal performances. However, he has been out since the end of August due to a calf injury. For Astros fans wondering when Verlander can return to the Hill, the answer could be “very soon.”

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

Astros have tentative plans for Justin Verlander’s return

This will certainly be welcome news for Astros faithful as the team looks to wrap up the year and secure first place in the American League.

In the August 28 game against the Baltimore Orioles, Verlander left the team after three innings with a right calf injury. It was later rturned out to be a fascia disorderand that he avoided muscle fiber disruptions.

Verlander returned from surgery on Tommy John and has been doing like he was in his prime. With 24 starts, he leads the league in ERA (1.84), wins (16), winning percentage (.842), ERA+ (208), and WHIP (.855). Because of this, Verlander is considered the favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award for the third time in his career.

Since Verlander was 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 on when Verlander can return to help the team win the AL West.