MLB Rumors: Verlander Return “Very, Very Close”

The Houston Astros are another step closer to the return of Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander. According to MLB Insider Jon Morosi, he's "very, very close" and should be returning this weekend.

.@jonmorosi with the latest on Justin Verlander's imminent return, the Giants locking up Wilmer Flores for 2 more years, Corey Dickerson's surge in St. Louis and more.#MLBCentral | @RoFlo pic.twitter.com/f5sxQ2FDbV

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 13, 2022

Verlander has traveled with the team, and will likely be on the mound pitching against the Oakland A's this weekend.  He was happy with how his second bullpen session went on Monday. 

The 39-year-old two-time Cy Young winner has been out with a right calf strain on Aug. 28th.

Verlander said he's still hoping to get a little more fielding practice in first, making sure his calf is healed enough so that he can get good breaks off the mound to field grounders or cover first base.  

The future Hall of Famer is 16-3 in his return to the mound after two seasons off to recover from Tommy John surgery. He sports a sparkling 1.84 ERA, along with an equally-ridiculous 0.85 WHIP, and a 154:26 K/BB ratio. He's literally been as dominant as ever—at the age of 39. 

Verlander will have another huge payday coming his way this offseason, as he can decline his $25M option, and undoubtedly secure far more in free agency.

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports, Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports