Astros’ Justin Verlander on DL for Tommy John surgery

Yesterday, the Houston Astros announced that they would be losing their ace pitcher, right-hander Justin Verlander, who will be undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament to his right elbow. A date for the 37-year-old pitcher’s surgery has not been set yet.

Verlander – who has been happily married to superstar model Kate Upton since November 4, 2017 – has been on the Astros’ Injured List since July 25. He underwent an MRI after a simulated game on Wednesday, September 16.

Justin Verlander made just one start this year, and it was a pretty good one for Houston Astros on Opening Day. Now announces he needs Tommy John surgery. Will make $33 mill while rehabbing in final year of contract in 2021. Will try to return in 2022 as a free agent at age 39. pic.twitter.com/tfBIjD6Uem
— PHILLIES BELL (@philliesbell) September 19, 2020

After consulting with medical personnel, it was determined that the imaging from this exam indicated the need for surgery.

Recovery time for the surgery is expected to be approximately 12-14 months. Verlander was limited to just one start in 2020, an 8-2 win over Seattle on Opening Day (6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 7 SO) before being sidelined with a forearm strain.

And now it’s time for the Astros to figure out how they’re going to replace their $66 million contract pitcher for the foreseeable future. Veteran pitcher Zack Greinke, who carried a shutout into the seventh inning of Game 7 of the World Series last year, is a cinch to be in the rotation, according to Brian McTaggart, writer for Astros News.

Zack Greinke.

"I didn't know if you wanted in or out"

"Ah. I get it." 🤣 pic.twitter.com/ukaODHH6cD
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 19, 2020