(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander said he’s a little behind schedule due to inflammation in his right shoulder that could keep him off the mound for the first match of the season.
Verlander, who turns 41 next week, described the injury as a slight step back. He added that he would be very careful in his spring preparation.
The three-time Cy-Young winner admitted to being a few weeks behind and that his body doesn’t respond “the same way at 40 as it does at 25.”
Astros general manager Dana Brown was not overly concerned by the delay.
Verlander said he would not give details on his timeline or when he will start throwing again.