Astros' Get Encouraging Update From Ace About Injury Recovery

Coming into Spring Training, there's a worry among every team that players will pick up some injuries that could prevent them from being available to start out the season.

That was front and center with the Houston Astros as their ace Justin Verlander announced he's behind schedule based on a shoulder injury he was dealing with.

Not having him in their rotation, even at 40 years old, would be a huge blow to the Astros' chances to compete for a World Series title.

Of course, nothing major was announced. Verlander was just updating reporters on what he's been dealing with and how he feels a bit behind his normal schedule heading into Spring Training.

But his body won't recover as fast at this age as it used to.

And Houston needs him.

When he was acquired at the trade deadline last year, he went 7-3 across his 11 starts with an ERA of 3.31 and ERA+ of 127.

Verlander is an important piece of the team this year.

The ace was able to throw off the mound during their bullpen session, a promising sign.

Better news came for the Astros when he arrived to the facility the next day and gave an encouraging update on how his body felt following that throwing session.

Manager Joe Espada said Verlander "walked in today feeling good about how the farm feels," according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Houston dealt with injuries to their starting rotation at the beginning of last year that forced them to rely on two rookies for the entirety of the season.

With their ace back and paired alongside Framber Valdez, the front office is hoping they have much more firepower that puts less stress on their bullpen, which is much thinner than in years past and is coming off a down season.

Having Verlander healthy for the start will be key.