Star pitcher Justin Verlander will make a rehab start in the minors this week before making his debut for the New York Mets. Verlander hasn’t played at all in 2023 after suffering a teres major strain during spring training.
The Mets’ manager Buck Showalter said on Tuesday that Verlander is expected to throw three to four innings on Friday and then re-join the team. This opens the possibility of Verlander making his Mets’ debut on May 3 against the Detroit Tigers.
Speaking with reporters, Verlander said that it has been “frustrating” for him not to be able to play at the start of the season.
“It’s hard for me not to be a part of and not want to help in some way, shape, or form. But everybody behind the scenes is saying, ‘Just wait, your time will be here,’” Verlander said.
However, the three-time AL Cy Young Award winner said that he believes the injury is now behind him and that he is close to being 100% ready to play.
The Mets have been solid to start the 2023 season, going 14-10 in their first 24 games. However, they didn’t look as convincing as many predicted, considering the abundance of talent on their roster. With Verlander in the mix, that will likely change.
