Verlander, Gray and Giolito in question
Three big-name starting pitchers — Houston’s Justin Verlander, St. Louis’ Sonny Gray and Boston’s Lucas Giolito — are dealing with injuries that could cause them to miss the start of the season, and maybe more.
Verlander will start on the injured list after being slowed by inflammation in his pitching shoulder during the offseason. Gray has a hamstring strain sustained Monday. And Giolito reported discomfort in his pitching elbow following last week’s start in which he was roughed up.
“We’re obviously concerned. Not a good day for us,” Boston manager Alex Cora told reporters.
Verlander is the biggest name of the three, although his situation appears to be more of a delay than a longterm concern. Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday the 41-year-old hasn’t suffered any setbacks or soreness following bullpen sessions but needs more time to become game ready.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is expected to throw in the bullpen again Friday but has yet to face hitters. But a delay to the start of the season could jeopardize his conditional $35-million option for 2025.
Giolito will have additional exams to determine the severity of his injury, but there’s worry it could be a long-term issue.
Giolito signed a $38.5million, two-year deal with the Red Sox this offseason. The 29-year-old is coming off a season in which he gave up a league-high 41 home runs and had a 4.88 ERA pitching for the Chicago White Sox, Angels and Cleveland Guardians.
Gray might be the only one of the three who has a chance to make it back for opening day, which he was slated to start against the Dodgers on March 28.
Gray left his spring start Monday against Washington after 20 pitches. The Cardinals initially said he had tightness in his hamstring; an MRI revealed the strain.
After their worst season since 1995, the Cardinals gave Gray a $75-million, three-year deal in November to anchor a revamped rotation. Because the strain is mild, they hope he can make it back by the opener.
“If it’s in the cards for me to still do that, then obviously I’m going to do everything in my power to make that happen,” Gray said.
Braves breathe sigh
National League most valuable player Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to be ready for opening day with the Atlanta Braves after a more thorough examination of his sore right knee found no serious issues.
Acuña left the Braves’ spring training site in Florida to be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Monday night. The team announced Tuesday that ElAttrache found only irritation in the meniscus of his knee. Acuña will be able to gradually increase his baseball activities and is expected to be cleared to play by the time the Braves open the season at Philadelphia on March 28.
Trevino gets closer
New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino says he will start playing games soon after being sidelined by a calf injury that occurred a couple of weeks before the start of spring training.
The 31-year-old also is coming back from a tear in his right wrist that limited him to 55 games last season. He last played on July 17.
Trevino made the AllStar team and won a Gold Glove in 2022 when he hit .248 with a career-high 11 homers and 43 RBIs in 115 games after being acquired from Texas late in spring training.