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Astros’ Justin Verlander throws for the first time after surgery

FILE- In this July 24, 2020, file photo, Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game in Houston. The Astros announced Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, that Verlander needs Tommy John surgery and could miss the entire 2021 season. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) (David J. Phillip, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Justin Verlander added to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a celebration of his own: the Astros ace was able to throw for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery a little over five months ago.

Verlander shared video of his milestone first pitch on his various social media platforms.

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Recovery time for Tommy John surgery is usually 12 to 14 months, so Verlander is still expected to miss most, if not all, of this upcoming season with the Astros.

Before undergoing the surgery on Sept. 30, Verlander was not only the Astros’ top pitcher, but arguably the best in the league. He won the American League Cy Young Award as the league’s best pitcher in 2019 after leading the league in wins and innings pitched, among other categories. The righthander finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2018.

For his career, Verlander is a two-time Cy Young winner, an eight-time All-Star, he was named AL MVP in 2011, he has thrown three career no-hitters, and has a career record of 226-129 with a 3.33 ERA.


About the Author
Howard Chen headshot

Born in Canada but raised in Houston, Howard joined KPRC 2 in 2021 after five years at ESPN. Before that, Howard was a reporter on Houston Rockets and Houston Astros game broadcasts. Among the events that Howard has covered on site: the NBA bubble and the Basketball Hall of Fame inductions for both Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. He's H-town proud!

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