Justin Verlander won the Cy Young Last Year for the Houston Astros with a 21-6 record, 2.58 ERA, and .80 WHIP.
He was hurt on July 24th of this year, the Astros first game of the season. The initial prognosis was a forearm strain. He was set to return at some point in October, but during he aggravated his injury during a simulated game. It’s now been revealed Verlander will need Tommy John to repair his torn UCL.
The standard recovery time for Tommy John is 12-15 months for pitchers. Verlander is 37 years old, and won’t return to the mound until he’s 39 years old on Opening Day 2022.
There’s a decent chance he won’t return as a Houston Astro. His contract lasts through 2021 with the club.
He may not return to Major League Baseball at all. His career could very likely be over.