Verlander (1-1) took the loss Tuesday, coughing up seven runs on eight hits -- including three home runs -- and three walks over five innings as the Astros were routed 10-3 by the Yankees. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

The 41-year-old right-hander looked his age, managing only six swinging strikes among his 97 pitches as he got tagged for his most earned runs in a start since July 2, 2017 against Cleveland. Verlander has served up five homers in four starts and 22.1 innings, which isn't unusual for him, but he's beginning to have trouble keeping traffic off the basepaths ahead of the long balls -- he's walked at least three batters in three straight starts. He'll take a 4.43 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 15:10 K:BB into his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the A's.

Verlander pitched seven innings in a no-decision against the Guardians on Wednesday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander allowed the leadoff man to reach in four of his seven innings of work but managed to limit the damage to only two runs, both of which came across in the top of the fifth. The veteran right-hander struggled to get ahead in the count for much of the contest and has now issued at least three walks in back-to-back starts, though he's still held opposing teams to two or fewer runs in all three outings to open the campaign. Wednesday also marked Verlander's first start this season in which he's gone at least seven innings.

Verlander didn't factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three hits and four walks with seven strikeouts over 4.1 scoreless innings against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander couldn't complete five innings Thursday, getting pulled after 95 pitches. His inefficiency and lack of control led to four walks, but he kept each baserunner from reaching home plate. Through two starts Verlander owns a 1.74 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 10.1 innings. He's expected to make his next start Thursday against the Guardians.

Verlander (1-0) picked up the win in Friday's 4-2 victory over the Nationals, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

The 41-year-old right-hander didn't look like a pitcher who had missed the first three-plus weeks of the season on the IL due to shoulder trouble. Verlander fired 50 of 78 pitches for strikes, and his two fastest pitches of the night - 95.0 and 94.9 mph four-seamers to Jesse Winker - came against the final batter he faced. The Astros will likely keep a careful eye on his workload, but Verlander looks ready to step into his usual role at the top of the rotation. He lines up to make his next trip to the mound next week on the road against the Cubs.

Verlander (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and is starting Friday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander missed the first few weeks of the season rehabbing from a shoulder issue but will make his 2024 debut Friday in Washington. According to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, manager Joe Espada said the Astros plan to limit the veteran right-hander to around 80-to-85 pitches, which would be a minor increase on the 77 pitches Verlander threw in his final rehab start.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Verlander (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to make his season debut Friday against the Nationals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander got through a bullpen session Tuesday with no issues, clearing the way for his season debut after he completed his rehab program for right shoulder inflammation. The 41-year-old went four innings and threw 77 pitches in his last rehab start with Double-A Corpus Christi over the weekend, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and one walk in the process. Verlander should be able to handle around 90 pitches Friday, although it's unclear whether the Astros have a specific pitch count in mind.

Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander made his second minor-league start Saturday with Double-A Corpus Christi. While he gave up five earned runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings, he was able to toss 77 pitches and reported no setback. Verlander told reporters Monday that he feels "ready to step on that mound again," per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. If Tuesday's bullpen session goes well, then Verlander could join the Astros' rotation and make his season debut Friday against the Nationals.

Manager Joe Espada said Sunday that Verlander (shoulder) could return from the 15-day injured list to make his season debut Friday against the Nationals, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Espada noted that he has yet to check in with Verlander since the veteran right-hander made his second minor-league rehab start Saturday with Double-A Corpus Christi. He covered four innings and tossed 77 pitches in that outing while allowing five earned runs on seven hits and one walk, but as long as Verlander informs the Houston coaching staff that he's feeling fine physically, the 41-year-old should get the green light to make his next start with the big club. Verlander hasn't pitched particularly well in his two rehab starts while allowing 11 earned runs, but the Astros may not want to delay his return any longer given their early season rotation issues.

Verlander (shoulder) will make his second rehab start Saturday for Double-A Corpus Christi, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander made his first rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on April 7. He was able to go three innings and struck out six batters, but he also allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk. The important thing is that he emerged without any setbacks and he will now look to add to his workload Saturday.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Monday that Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday and will have another minor-league rehab start on the weekend, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear which affiliate Verlander will start for, but the veteran right-hander appears to be progressing through his rehab well. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk over three innings in Sunday's outing with Triple-A Sugar Land, but he also struck out six batters.