2 years agoHouston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander isn't with the team in Anaheim this week due to a "family issue," according to skipper Dusty Baker. Verlander isn't scheduled to pitch again until the Astros return home this weekend to face the Oakland Athletics in a three-game series. Baker said "we hope so" when asked if Verlander would be back this weekend. The manager also said that the veteran right-hander probably won't appear in next week's All-Star game. The 39-year-old has a 2.00 ERA and leads the majors with 11 wins in his 16 starts, so he hasn't really slowed down at all in 2022. Fantasy managers need to have a backup plan this weekend in case Verlander doesn't make it back for a start against the A's to close out the first half of his season.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Houston Chronicle - Chandler Rome