Astros shut down Justin Verlander with lat strain; opening day in doubt

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander is in danger of missing opening day after being shut down with a strained muscle in his back.

Verlander left his spring training start against the Mets on Sunday with what was originally called triceps soreness after pitching only two of his scheduled four innings.

An MRI revealed what Astros GM James Click said is a “mild lat strain.”

Verlander had been dealing with a groin issue earlier in camp, but he said things were much better after his first spring start last week.

Meeting with reporters on Monday, Verlander said it “would probably take a miracle to be back before opening day.”

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