Astros ace Justin Verlander (shoulder) to begin season on IL

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander will open the season on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.

Manager Joe Espada confirmed Tuesday that the 41-year-old ace won't be ready for Opening Day on March 28.

"He's doing very well, but we're just running out of days here, and we won't be able to build him up enough to start the season," Espada told reporters. "It's just a timing issue. We want to do what's best for J.V. and our club, and this is what's best for us right now."

Verlander announced last month that he was a "couple weeks behind schedule" after experiencing discomfort in his pitching shoulder when full squad workouts began on Feb. 14.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner did not experience any soreness following a couple of bullpen sessions last week, but he has yet to face hitters this spring. He is scheduled to throw in the bullpen again on Friday.

"We want to make sure to do it smart and not fast," Espada said. "We need him for the long haul. It's a long season, and we need a healthy J.V. throughout the season."

A two-time World Series champion, Verlander is heading into his 19th season. He finished 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA while splitting the 2023 season with the New York Mets and Astros.

Verlander enters 2024 as the active MLB leader in wins (257). The nine-time All-Star has a 3.24 ERA and 3,342 strikeouts in 509 career starts with the Detroit Tigers, Mets and Astros.