Verlander (groin) threw three hitless innings in a simulated game Thursday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Facing Houston's presumed everyday lineup, minus Yordan Alvarez (undisclosed), Verlander struck out five and did not have a ball leave the infield. The only baserunner against Verlander reached via error. The right-hander unveiled slight tweaked mechanics, which lowered his release point relative to where it was in 2019. While last year's AL Cy Young winner told manager Dusty Baker last month that he was healthy and free of pain, it's good to see him actually get onto the field and dominate again after undergoing right groin surgery in mid-March. Verlander would appear on track for Opening Day.