Facing hitters is 'definitely on the table' for Verlander

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, who will begin the season on the injured list while he continues to build up his pitch count, said on Friday that he’s “definitely getting close to facing hitters,” which he has yet to do since reporting to camp a couple of weeks behind schedule in his throwing program.

“I'm hopeful,” he said. “It depends on how I feel over these next three or four days, but it's definitely on the table. It’s getting discussed.”

In the bullpen on Thursday, Verlander went through a pregame warmup routine and then threw one inning off the mound at what he said was close to maximum intensity. Verlander said he hit 92-93 mph on the radar gun, which gave him reason for optimism.

“If I looked at that as my first bullpen of the spring, I think that would be on par,” he said.

The Astros announced on March 5 that Verlander wouldn’t be ready for the start of the regular season. A shoulder issue put him behind prior to the start of camp.

When asked if he’s ready to face hitters, Verlander said it would be up to the team. He did say it was discussed with coaches and medical personnel following his bullpen on Thursday.

“I’ve been very transparent with the staff here every day and nothing has changed,” Verlander said. “[Thursday], after my bullpen when discussing next steps, it was definitely brought up by me. It’s definitely on the table, but this literally has been and continues to be an everyday thing.

“It’s like, ‘All right, how do you feel, do you keep pushing it?’ Based on how I feel, I feel it’s probable. I’m hopeful that I’m ready for it.”

With Verlander still rehabbing, the Astros are expected to open the season with a rotation of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, José Urquidy, Hunter Brown and J.P. France.

Verlander, who was traded back to the Astros from the Mets in August, also experienced a delayed start last year with the Mets as he was placed on the injured list with a right arm injury on the eve of the regular season. He debuted on May 4 and made 16 starts for New York before Houston acquired him prior to the Trade Deadline.

Verlander went 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 11 regular-season starts (68 innings) in his return to Houston and also made three postseason starts before the club was eliminated by the Rangers in the American League Championship Series.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner is entering the second season of a two-year deal he signed with the Mets in the 2022-23 offseason. The contract contains a $35 million vesting option for ‘25 that is triggered if Verlander throws 140 innings this season. The Mets will pay half of the option if it vests.