Astros' Verlander to Miss Season Start Due to Shoulder Inflammation

The ace pitcher's absence puts early pressure on Houston's rotation, with no clear timeline for his return.

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will start the 2024 season on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation.
Verlander has not experienced any setbacks but needs more time to build up his strength and be game-ready.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is expected to return early in the season, with no specific timeline provided.
Verlander's injury could jeopardize his conditional $35 million option for 2025 if he does not pitch 140 more innings this year.
The Astros' starting rotation will be under pressure with Verlander's absence, but the team has depth to manage in the interim.