Astros Star Pitcher Placed on Injured List

The Houston Astros are losing their star pitcher. 

Starter Justin Verlander has been placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to August 29, with a right calf injury. 

Justin Verlander has been placed on the 15-day IL with a right calf injury, the Astros announced. pic.twitter.com/LrEmFKR6Lz

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 30, 2022

Verlander underwent an MRI exam on Monday which reportedly revealed "fascial disruption, but no muscle fiber disruption" in his right calf. 

It's still not yet clear how long he'll be sidelined, but it looks like it will be around a few weeks. Verlander was removed from Sunday's start against the Baltimore Orioles due to right calf discomfort. He made it through three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out six. 

Photo Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The thirty-nine-year-old is having one of the best seasons of his career, posting a phenomenal 1.84 ERA, 0.86 WHIP with 154 strikeouts in 152 innings. He has posted a 16-3 record. Verlander leads the league this year in wins, ERA and WHIP. Just an absolutely remarkable year from him.

When asked about his injury, Verlander said "It is an injury. It's not nothing. I went on the IL, so it is disappointing, but on the spectrum of calf injuries go, this is as good of news as I could have gotten." He also said he did feel a pop in his calf. 

Photo Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports