Mar 26, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Spring Training-Miami Marlins at New York Mets
(New York, NY) — The wait is over? Justin Verlander is inching closer to making his much anticipated debut for the New York Mets.
The 40-year-old threw 43 pitches in a simulated game Sunday in Port St. Lucie, Fla., making significant progress in his return from a right teres major strain.
Velander is now lined up to make a Minor League rehab start on Friday and assuming all goes well, will debut for the Mets the following week in Detroit. The location of that start has not been finalized, but it’s possible he will remain in Florida and pitch for Single-A St. Lucie
“He went out there and got after it a couple pitches toward the end,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said of Verlander’s simulated game. “He looked good.”
Showalter said he’s confident one rehab start in the minors will be enough for Verlander given his decorated track record, but expect the Mets to be cautious with their $86 million dollar ace upon his return.
“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.
