Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Saturday as he continues his recovery from neck discomfort. Luis Garcia, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is also expected to pitch.
Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander is expected to throw another bullpen session on Saturday as he attempts to return from neck discomfort that has kept him on the injured list for a month.
Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been out since June 9 and is expected to throw around 25 pitches in his upcoming session. His manager, Joe Espada, expressed hope that Verlander will be able to increase the intensity of his pitches during this session.
"Last time he threw his side he threw all of his pitches, so hopefully there will be more intensity behind these pitches," Espada said.
Verlander has a 3-2 record with a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts for Houston this season. He missed the first 20 games of the season due to inflammation in his right shoulder before making his debut on April 19.
Garcia, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, did not throw a scheduled bullpen session last week, but Espada did not view it as a setback. Garcia underwent surgery in May 2023.
Espada also provided updates on outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is recovering from a right shin contusion. Tucker has been throwing, hitting, and doing limited field drills, but needs to improve his mobility to the point where he can handle more movement.
"We need to get him running, to put some weight on that leg. He's hitting, he's throwing, but we're not quite there yet to let him loose on the bases," Espada said.
Houston catcher Victor Caratini was transferred to Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday as part of his rehab assignment from a hip flexor strain. Caratini could rejoin the Astros sometime next week.
Espada also mentioned that Lance McCullers Jr. has received a second opinion on his right elbow that showed no structural damage, but he has not been cleared to start throwing.
The Astros are expected to provide further updates on Verlander, Garcia, and Tucker's recovery status after Saturday's bullpen sessions.
