David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 30, 2023
Posted in
Prior to first pitch of the Mets’ opening day game against the Marlins, the team announced that veteran starting pitcher Justin Verlander will be placed on the 15-day IL after he was diagnosed with a low-grade strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder.
The 40-year-old three-time Cy Young winner would be lucky to miss just the minimum 15 days, according to the Pro Baseball Docs.
The teres major muscle is supremely important to the pitching motion and the Mets are likely to be cautious with Verlander given his advanced age.
A return near the end of April would be great news for the newly acquired righty.
Verlander made 28 starts for the Astros last season, logging a career-best 1.75 ERA with an 18-4 record in 175 innings and 185 strikeouts.
In addition to losing star closer Edwin Diaz, the Mets will be short handed in the rotation for the beginning of the season. Verlander joins Jose Quintana on the IL, leaving New York down two key starters.
Quintana is recovering from a stress fracture in his rib that will keep him out until June at the earliest.
With those two out, David Peterson will take over Quintana’s spot and Tylor Megill will take over for Verlander.
The Mets have the fifth-best odds to win the World Series at +900, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. They are currently +165 to win the NL East, behind the Braves at -105 and ahead of the Phillies at +400.
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Written by David Chao, MD
