The Houston Astros got the news they had been worried over the last couple months concerning veteran Justin Verlander on Saturday when he announced on Instagram that he would be undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Verlander, who hasn’t pitched since his season debut on July 24, said in a video that he “felt something in my elbow” during a simulated game this week and that after consulting with doctors, Tommy John surgery was determined to be the best option.
“I truly believe everything happens for a reason,” Verlander said in the video. “And although 2020 has sucked, hopefully when this rehab process is all said and done, this will allow me to charge through the end of my career and be healthy as long as I want and pitch as long as I want and accomplish some of the goals that I want in my career.”
His 2020 season ends with a 1-0 record, a 3.00 ERA and seven strikeouts in the one start. Verlander is under contract through the 2021 season at $33 million and then becomes a free agent.