As the Houston Astros continue navigating a challenging season, the spotlight turns to their starting pitchers, Luis Garcia and Justin Verlander. Both right-handers are critical to the team’s success, and their recent progress suggests a potential turnaround.
Luis Garcia’s Recovery Journey
Luis Garcia, who has been on a tough road to recovery since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May, recently threw about 40 pitches in a live bullpen session. This step marked a significant milestone for Garcia, whose rehab faced delays due to unexpected soreness following a stint with the Corpus Christi Hooks. “The next day, my arm felt super sore,” Garcia shared. “It wasn’t scary, but overcoming that was crucial.” After a brief pause in rehab, the recent session where his pitch velocity reached 93 mph, up from 92 mph, is a hopeful sign of progress.
Justin Verlander’s Encouraging Comeback
Parallel to Garcia, veteran ace Justin Verlander is making strides in his recovery from neck soreness, which placed him on the injured list for the second time this season. Verlander’s return to the mound was not initially scheduled for live batting, but he opted for it, throwing an impressive 30 pitches. “Getting hitters in there and standing on the mound as we enter August means you should start feeling it,” Astros manager Joe Espada commented. This spontaneous decision allowed Verlander to gauge his performance more accurately, with his velocity peaking at 94 mph. “I learn a lot more when guys are trying to hit,” Verlander noted, emphasizing the interactive feedback that live pitching provides.
Both pitchers are cautiously optimistic, with their next steps heavily dependent on how their bodies respond in the following days. “No issues, but tomorrow will be a telltale sign,” Verlander remarked, hopeful yet realistic. The Astros’ management and fans alike are keenly watching these developments, as the team’s performance in the upcoming games could hinge on the successful return of these key players.
As the season progresses, the Astros are on the cusp of a critical phase, and Garcia and Verlander’s return could be game-changing. Their ongoing recovery and gradual return to form are crucial for their careers and could very well determine the trajectory of the Astros’ season.