The reigning American League Cy Young, Justin Verlander will most likely miss the rest of the season because of an elbow injury.
Manager Dusty Baker reported the pitcher was diagnosed with a forearm strain. The 37 year-old underwent an MRI and stated his initial pain occurred during his season-opening start against the Seattle Mariners.
Baker denied the reports that state Verlander will be out for the remainder of the season, as he said the leftie is shut down for a couple weeks.
Verlander did the same through his twitter account.
The report that I’m currently missing the rest of the season is not accurate. There is a forearm strain... I’m hopeful that with some rest it will heal and I’ll be able to return soon. Thank you for all the well wishes. 🙏🏻
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) July 26, 2020
'El Insensible' arrived to Houston three years ago and since then has been a dominant force, being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 American League Championship Series and winning the 2019 American League Cy Young Award. Last season, he struck out 300 batters for the first time in his career and threw his third no-hitter.
Aside from Zack Greinke, the Astros will have to rely on their bullpen with pitchers like Lance McCullers Jr., Josh James and Jose Urquidy. Still, none of them can ever come close to replacing Verlander.
The 2020 MLB season will consist of 60-games, and conclude with a 16-team expanded postseason.