Starting pitcher Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros informed reporters on Wednesday that he is a few weeks behind schedule and that an announcement about his timeline will be made.
According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Verlander stated, “When I first started playing catch, I usually shut it down for a while. This time when I shut it down and picked a ball back up, my shoulder didn’t feel so great so I kind of had to take a step back.”
The Mets are impacted by Verlander’s schedule. Upon Verlander’s transfer to Houston at the trade deadline of the previous year, the Mets committed to paying half of his $35 million contract in 2025 and $25 million of his 2024 compensation. However, the 2025 deal is only applicable if his option vests.
If Verlander pitches 140 innings this season, his option will become vested. The Mets will owe him $17.5 million in 2025 if that occurs. He’ll become a free agent if it doesn’t.
The Astros sent Ryan Clifford and Drew Gilbert to the Mets in exchange for Verlander and a large portion of his salary.