The A's series with the Houston Astros starting March 30 just became interesting for more reasons than noted whistleblower Mike Fiers.
Astros ace Justin Verlander sustained a mild lat strain Sunday and has been shut down for the foreseeable future. Verlander said Monday that this isn't the worst-case scenario, but Opening Day seems in doubt.
“I would say it would probably take a miracle for me to be back by Opening Day," Verlander told reporters on Monday.
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Verlander went into Sunday with hopes of pitching four innings in his spring training start against the New York Mets. However, he had to be removed after two innings with right triceps soreness. It's clear now what was bugging the two-time Cy Young award winner.
If Verlander does miss Opening Day, he very well could be out against the A's when Houston travels to Oakland from March 30 to April 1. Verlander would be scheduled to start in the Astros' second game against the A's if he were to pitch on Opening Day.
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This will be the first time Oakland faces Houston since A's pitcher Mike Fiers opened the gates on the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Fans will be in full force at the Coliseum in what should be a rowdy environment.
With Gerrit Cole now on the New York Yankees, the Astros will lean on Verlander and Zack Greinke to lead the rotation as they look to top the A's for their fourth straight AL West title.