Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Updated Post – April 7, 2023, 10:40
Justin Verlander, on the injured list with a low-grade teres major strain, talked to reporters on Friday at Citi Field before the Mets’ home opener. Justin Verlander said he’s been able to increase his level of throwing to 75%. Hopes that because he’s been able to continue throwing throughout his IL stint, that his buildup won’t be much.
Verlander said it is “very reasonable” that he could return before the end of April. “I’m really close to being able to take the leash off,” Verlander said.
Original Post – March 30, 2023, 13:58
The New York Mets announce Justin Verlander will be placed on the injured list with a low-grade teres major strain. He will continue throwing at moderate intensity and we will rescan in a week.
Verlander says if this were a playoff game coming up he would definitely be pitching. But he doesn’t want to risk worsening the injury. “It’s not the way I wanted my Mets tenure to start, that is for sure.”
Verlander says he felt discomfort in his last spring start and then knew something was wrong in Wednesday’s bullpen.
Mets GM Billy Eppler says that Tylor Megill will take Verlander’s spot in the rotation. That means Megill will start on Saturday in Miami and then the Mets’ Home Opener on April 6. Megill was originally scheduled to start Opening Day on Friday for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets.
The Mets have already lost pitchers Edwin Diaz (likely out for season), Bryce Montes de Oca (out for season), and Jose Quintana (out until at least July) to significant injuries.
