Injuries and COVID-related absences have been plentiful in Major League Baseball this season. The Houston Astros have been no strangers to this. Houston is mostly healthy at the moment, but they are missing a key starter and a few bullpen pieces. Here is an update on the Astros pitchers on the mend, Zack Greinke, Rafael Montero, Pedro Baez, and former can’t-miss prospect, Forrest Whitley.
Pitching Update
The most important Astro who is currently out is the 18-year veteran, Greinke. The 37-year old was placed on the injured list on August 31st due to health and safety protocols. Greinke resumed throwing off flat ground Monday. He could be ready to throw a bullpen session this weekend, according to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. It does not appear he will be ready to return when first eligible, but a return by the end of next week appears to be in the cards. Greinke still leads the team in wins and innings pitched with 11 and 159.2 respectively.
Montero was one of the Astros trade deadline acquisitions. The veteran also resumed throwing off of flat ground on Monday. However, he will likely need a couple weeks to go through a throwing program. He has been out since August 8th with a right lat strain.
Baez didn’t make his season debut until August 10th, and he only made four appearances before aggravating the shoulder injury that delayed his debut. Similar to the other Astros pitchers hopefully returning soon, Baez resumed throwing on flat ground Monday. The 33-year old will likely need to face some hitters before he makes his return to the big league roster.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in March, Whitley has begun a throwing program, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. It will still be quite a while before the former elite prospect sees any game action. It is hard to believe but Whitley has pitched less than 100 innings since 2017 due to a suspension and a litany of injuries.
Players Mentioned: Zack Greinke, Rafael Montero, Pedro Baez, Forrest Whitley
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
