AL West: Rescue or respite?
Apr 11 2024
Just now coming off of a balky shoulder that shelved him for the entirety of spring training, Justin Verlander's first minor league rehab start at AAA-Sugar Land yielded both good results (6/1 K/BB over his three innings) and bad (6 earned runs on 7 hits), none of which is atypical for a pitcher attempting to re-establish some command. All reports have Verlander making just one more minor league start before joining the Astros for his MLB debut as early as April 17 vs. ATL.
Verlander's pending return along with Ronel Blanco's stunning small-sample bottom line – no runs allowed over two starts and 15 IP of work, including that no-hitter – is balm for a rotation beset by injuries and early season depth issues. Framber...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Tomorrow
Top Twins prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will start 2026 at Triple-A, but seem likely to get a call-up at some point this season. Plus, saves in CHW, the Guardians' middle infield, an unknown Tiger, and Starling Marte and Lane Thomas in KC.
Mar 12 2026 3:05am
Mar 12 2026 3:05am
Top to bottom, the Washington Nationals have one of the youngest—and most high-variance—teams in baseball. Plus: SP in MIA; Profar fallout in ATL; C at NYM; RP in PHI; more.
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
With Jeremy Peña suffering a finger injury, the Astros may be shuffling things up in the infield to start the season.
Mar 11 2026 8:10am
Mar 11 2026 8:10am
Max Scherzer is among several AL East pitchers whose recent returns to the mound could have ripple effects on their team's rotation plans.
Mar 10 2026 3:05am
Mar 10 2026 3:05am
With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
