Verlander (elbow) will start Friday's Grapefruit League opener against the Cardinals, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Verlander threw two simulated innings during live batting practice Sunday, and he'll continue his ramp-up process by drawing the start for the Astros during their first spring game Friday. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2020 and hasn't pitched in a game since July of that shortened season as a result. Assuming Verlander continues to progress smoothly during spring training, he'll now shift his focus toward building up his workload ahead of a potential Opening Day start April 7 versus the Angels.