The Astros will announce that current American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander is out of season with an elbow injury, two people with knowledge of the situation said Sunday.
The injury gives a near-fatal blow to the Astros’ hopes for the World Series contest in this 60-game season. Verlander is the team’s unquestionable ace, the rock around which his initial rotation is formed. He hit 300 hitters last season and posted the third-lowest WHIP in modern major league history.
Verlander pitched six two-run baseball innings during the team’s opening victory against the Seattle Mariners on Friday. Nothing in its speed or appearance indicated any problems.
During a post-game interview, Verlander expressed nothing but optimism about his departure, without hinting that he was hurt.
Verlander underwent groin surgery in March. He also suffered a lat injury in spring training, but aggravated the groin injury during his rehabilitation.
