Houston Astros’ All-Star pitcher Justin Verlander decided to use the MLB offseason to address a nagging groin injury. According to Astros’ general manager James Click, Verlander underwent groin surgery and will spend the next six weeks rehabbing.
Verlander first experienced groin issues earlier this year, but expected that physical therapy could resolve the issue. However, after a series of setbacks, the medical team determined that surgery would be the best option going forward.
“After a recent setback in his rehab, the medical staff recommended that a surgical procedure was necessary,” Click explained.
If everything goes right, Verlander will be just back in time for MLB’s opening day. The start of the 2020 season was recently postponed to May due to coronavirus pandemic.
Justin Verlander is coming off an impressive season in which he won the AL Cy Young Award for the second time in his career. The 37-year-old finished 2019 with 21-6 record, accompanied by 2.58 ERA and career-high 300 strikeouts. He also led the league in innings with 223.
Verlander’s good form wasn’t enough to propel Astros to a title, however. Houston advanced to the World Series, where they lost to underdogs Washington Nationals.
