Justin Verlander's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (neck) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session ahead of Wednesday's game against the division-rival Oakland Athletics. Verlander threw all of his pitches during Saturday's 40-pitch session, and he still has a chance to return to Houston's rotation before the end of July if he's able to dodge going out on a brief minor-league rehab assignment before getting activated from the 15-day injured list. The 41-year-old veteran right-hander went 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 51 strikeouts in 10 starts (57 innings) before heading to the shelf with neck stiffness, and he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues with his return perhaps looming.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (neck) completed a 40 pitch bullpen on Saturday. The bullpen marks progression for the right-hander after he threw a 25 pitch bullpen on Sunday. There's no indication yet whether Verlander will need to throw another bullpen before either starting a rehab assignment or coming back to the Astros' rotation, though it would be unlikely for him to not progress without another bullpen or a rehab assignment. The 41-year-old had posted a 3.95 ERA before dealing with neck discomfort. Fantasy managers should prepare for a return to the majors at some point in August unless the team states otherwise. In the meantime, fantasy managers looking for starting pitching help that weren't able to snag Hunter Brown may want to look at Spencer Arrighetti, who's season-long stats don't reflect the recent improvement (3.68 ERA and 28 K in his last four starts).

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that right-hander Justin Verlander (neck) will throw another bullpen session on Saturday. Verlander used all of his pitches in a 25-pitch bullpen session on Sunday and will have another side session this weekend as he works his way back from a neck issue that landed him on the 15-day injured list in the middle of June. It's unclear if the 41-year-old three-time Cy Young winner will need a short minor-league rehab assignment before returning to Houston's starting rotation, but if he doesn't need one, he'll have a good shot at returning before the calendar flips to August. The future Hall of Famer is no longer an elite fantasy starter, but he still deserves to be rostered in all fantasy leagues and has gone 3-2 with an ERA under 4.00 with a 1.21 WHIP and a 51:17 K:BB in 57 innings over his 10 starts in 2024.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (neck) threw a successful 25-pitch bullpen session on Sunday. The 41-year-old continues to work his way back from a neck issue that has sidelined him for about a month. It sounds like Verlander is making progress, but the Astros are going to continue being cautious with him. He'll still need to do a few rehab outings before rejoining the Astros rotation. The hope is that Verlander can help the Astros over the final few months of the season.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (neck) played catch for a third straight day ahead of Friday's series opener against the division-rival Texas Rangers. Manager Joe Espada is encouraged by Verlander's progress and said the right-hander mentioned throwing from the mound, so that could be something that happens relatively soon. While the 41-year-old former All-Star won't be back with the Astros until sometime after the All-Star break, he appears to be close to taking a significant step forward in his throwing progression on the way back from neck stiffness. Verlander holds a solid 3.95 ERA (4.99 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 17 walks through 57 innings (10 starts) in Houston's rotation in 2024, and he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy leagues.