Verlander ups intensity in latest bullpen session
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Astros right-hander Justin Verlander has yet to pitch in an exhibition game because of right shoulder issues. However, he had another bullpen session on Tuesday morning without any problems.
Verlander threw with more intensity and his delivery was consistent. He commanded his fastball and changeup well. Verlander threw 50 pitches during the session.
Houston will find out how Verlander feels on Wednesday. If he is OK, the 41-year-old will likely have another bullpen session on Friday or Saturday, according to Astros pitching coach Josh Miller.
“We need to see him throw some breaking balls, and that will be the next step. We’ll see how he responds and go from there,” Miller said.
Verlander is coming off a season in which he split time with the Mets and Astros, going a combined 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA in 27 starts.
The club still doesn't know if Verlander will be ready for Opening Day against the Yankees on March 28 at Minute Maid Park.
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It’s Urquidy time
Astros right-hander José Urquidy made his first start of the spring and pitched two shutout innings during a 10-3 loss to the Nationals on Tuesday afternoon at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Manager Joe Espada noticed that Urquidy was pounding the strike zone and threw some good changeups. His fastball was clocked as high as 94 mph.
“The stuff was coming out [of his hands] really good,” Espada said. “It was a real good outing for José. “
Urquidy, who is slated to be the Astros' fourth starter in 2024, is looking to have an injury-free season. He would like to forget about last year, when he missed 84 games because of right shoulder discomfort and had a 5.29 ERA in 16 games (10 starts). Urquidy spent the offseason exercising his shoulder and the lat area. The goals this season are to pitch every fifth day and have quality innings.
“I want to feel stronger than I did. I did great work doing the exercises at home,” he said.
Urquidy is planning to throw his sinker more often against right-handers because they are hitting .266 against him since he entered the league in 2019.
“I want to practice and throw in on them,” Urquidy said. “Last year, I threw some [sinkers], and I saw weak contact. That is a priority when I have runners on base. I’m looking for that double play.”
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Montero 'looking good' in live BP
Astros right-hander Rafael Montero had a live batting practice session Tuesday, which Miller described as “dynamite.”
The Astros are hoping that Montero can return to the form that helped them win the World Series title in 2022. That year, Montero appeared in 71 games and had a 2.37 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings. Last season, Montero wasn’t consistent, sporting a 5.08 ERA while opposing hitters had a .279 batting average against him.
“Last year was an aberration,” Miller said. “His stuff was good. He had some unfortunate bounces go against him early and had a patch where it was pretty rough. He finished on a strong note, we felt. He had some good showings in some playoff outings. … I feel like he is in a good spot. The arm is looking good right now.”