Houston Astros’ Pitcher Justin Verlander to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

By
Ariel H
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Astros pitcher Justin Verlander in 2019. Photo by Canadian Press/Shutterstock (10376893j)

Houston Astros’ pitcher Justin Verlander saw his last appearance of 2020 in the Astros win against the Seattle Mariners in the season opener. Over the weekend, the star pitcher announced that he’s set to have Tommy John surgery to repair the damage in his elbow.

While recovery from Tommy John surgery varies, it usually takes players 12 to 15 months to return to action following the procedure which means that Verlander may be out for the remainder of the 2020 MLB season as well as the entire 2021 season.

The 37-year-old pitcher hasn’t played since July due to a forearm strain and while attempting a comeback last week, he felt some “stiffness” in his elbow and was advised by a doctor to undergo the prodedure.

“I truly believe everything happens for a reason,” said Verlander in a video posted on social media. “And although 2020 has sucked, hopefully when this rehab process is all said and done, this will allow me to charge through the end of my career and be healthy as long as I want and pitch as long as I want and accomplish some of the goals that I want in my career.”

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After consulting with several of the best doctors, it has become clear that I need Tommy John surgery. I was hopeful that I would be able to return to competition in 2020, however, during my simulated game unfortunately the injury worsened. Obviously I’m extremely disappointed, but I will not let this slow down my aspirations for my career. I will approach this rehab the only way I know, attack and don’t look back. I’m confident that with a proper rehabilitation program and my unwavering commitment that this surgery will ultimately lengthen my career as opposed to shorten it. I can’t thank my teammates, coaches, the front office and my fans enough for the support they have given me so far in this process. I’m eager to get through this recovery and back on the field to continue to do what I love.

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Verlander has two years left on his deal with the Astros and he’ll be a free agent in 2022. If he ends up missing the 2021 season, this could’ve been his last game with the Astros.

The pitcher joined the Astros is 2017, and since then, he’s played some of the best baseball of his career. Verlander’s earned two All-Star appearances and he won the Cy Young award in 2019. His record since arriving in Houston is 43-15 record with 2.45 ERA and 640 strikeouts.