HOUSTON – Astros ace Justin Verlander had Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. General manager James Click announced Thursday that Verlander had the procedure a day earlier and estimated recovery time at about 12-14 months.
That means the earliest Verlander could pitch for would be in the 2022 season and it might not be for the Astros. A right-hander who turns 38 in February, Verlander has a $33 million salary next year, then is eligible for free agency.The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner made just one start this season, pitching six innings on July 24 in a win over Seattle on opening day before being placed on the injured list with strained right forearm.