Mar 30, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) looks on from the dugout prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Mets at Miami Marlins
(New York, NY) — The wait is over.
Justin Verlander (shoulder) is inching closer to making his much anticipated debut for the New York Mets. The 40-year-old will make a minor league rehab start on Friday for Double-A Binghamton.
The game was originally scheduled to start just after 5 p.m., but with heavy rain in the forecast throughout, Binghamton moved the first pitch up four hours.
Verlander is only expected to require one minor league tune-up before making his Mets debut next week against his former team in Detroit.
“I have texted him back and forth multiple times and he is doing good, feeling good,” Showalter said. “He is feeling good and anxious to get back.”
Verlander landed on the IL on Opening Day after undergoing an MRI. It was classified as a minor muscle strain, where the right-hander pleaded he “definitely” would have pitched through it in a postseason scenario.
The Mets signed the 2022 Cy-Young winner to a two-year, $86.6 million contract in December.
Despite a four game losing streak – including two against the league bottom-feeder Washington Nationals – 77WABC’s Mike Daddino is not concerned.
Fair to say – it's been a bad week for the Mets. Should fans be concerned?@mike_daddino says not so fast pic.twitter.com/xZe0aGDQsJ
— 77wabcsports (@77wabcsports) April 27, 2023
Regardless, the Mets will certainly greet Verlander with open arms upon his return.
