Returning from shoulder injury

Justin Verlander (41, Houston Astros), who returned from a shoulder injury, pitched well in his first appearance in the American Major League (MLB) regular season.

Verlander started the ‘2024 MLB‘ game against the Washington Nationals held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on the 20th (Korean time) and recorded 4 hits (1 home run), no walks, 4 strikeouts, and 2 runs in 6 innings.

Verlander, who debuted in MLB in 2005, is a top starting pitcher with a total of 510 games, 258 wins, 141 losses, and an ERA of 3.24. He was selected as the American League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2011, and won the Cy Young Award, given to the league’s best pitcher, three times. On top of that, he was a nine-time All-Star.

Verlander, who felt shoulder pain last February, was ultimately unable to join the opening game. Afterwards, he made a rehabilitation appearance in the minor league, but performed poorly, allowing 11 runs in 7 innings in 2 games.

Verlander showed his true potential in the regular season. On this day, he showed efficient pitching, taking charge of the mound until the 6th inning with 78 balls (50 strikes).

Verlander, who finished the first and second innings with a three-run strike, gave up one run in the third, but blocked three batters again in the fourth. After two outs in the fifth inning, he allowed a solo home run to Riley Adams, but he was able to get four outs later.

Verlander also earned a win in his first appearance of the season as the team won 5-3. 섯다