Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Verlander (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to make his season debut Friday against the Nationals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander got through a bullpen session Tuesday with no issues, clearing the way for his season debut after he completed his rehab program for right shoulder inflammation. The 41-year-old went four innings and threw 77 pitches in his last rehab start with Double-A Corpus Christi over the weekend, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and one walk in the process. Verlander should be able to handle around 90 pitches Friday, although it's unclear whether the Astros have a specific pitch count in mind.

Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander made his second minor-league start Saturday with Double-A Corpus Christi. While he gave up five earned runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings, he was able to toss 77 pitches and reported no setback. Verlander told reporters Monday that he feels "ready to step on that mound again," per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. If Tuesday's bullpen session goes well, then Verlander could join the Astros' rotation and make his season debut Friday against the Nationals.

Manager Joe Espada said Sunday that Verlander (shoulder) could return from the 15-day injured list to make his season debut Friday against the Nationals, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Espada noted that he has yet to check in with Verlander since the veteran right-hander made his second minor-league rehab start Saturday with Double-A Corpus Christi. He covered four innings and tossed 77 pitches in that outing while allowing five earned runs on seven hits and one walk, but as long as Verlander informs the Houston coaching staff that he's feeling fine physically, the 41-year-old should get the green light to make his next start with the big club. Verlander hasn't pitched particularly well in his two rehab starts while allowing 11 earned runs, but the Astros may not want to delay his return any longer given their early season rotation issues.

Verlander (shoulder) will make his second rehab start Saturday for Double-A Corpus Christi, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander made his first rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on April 7. He was able to go three innings and struck out six batters, but he also allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk. The important thing is that he emerged without any setbacks and he will now look to add to his workload Saturday.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Monday that Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday and will have another minor-league rehab start on the weekend, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear which affiliate Verlander will start for, but the veteran right-hander appears to be progressing through his rehab well. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk over three innings in Sunday's outing with Triple-A Sugar Land, but he also struck out six batters.

Verlander (shoulder) allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk over three innings in his first rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't a pretty bottom line, although Verlander did strike out six batters and induced a solid 12 whiffs on his 65 pitches. The veteran right-hander averaged 93.5 mph with his four-seamer, which is nearly one full mph down from his average from last season. Verlander is expected to make one more rehab start later this week before rejoining the Astros' rotation as soon as April 17 versus Atlanta.

Verlander (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander will throw one more bullpen session at Minute Maid Park on Thursday before heading out on his rehab assignment. He's expected to throw around 70-to-75 pitches Sunday for Sugar Land. Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that the team is confident Verlander will need just two rehab starts, which could put him on track to rejoin the rotation as soon as April 17 against Atlanta. Verlander has been working his way back from right shoulder inflammation.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Thursday before pitching in a minor-league game a few days later, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander threw 52 pitches during a three-inning simulated game Monday, and it appears the next step in his rehab program will be pitching in a minor-league game. Verlander previously said he wants to build his pitch count to around 85 before joining the Astros, and he'll likely require at least two rehab starts before being activated.

Verlander (shoulder) threw a three-inning, 52-pitch simulated game Monday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verlander came out of the session without any issues. Although nothing definitive has been determined yet, his next step is expected to be beginning a rehab assignment. The 41-year-old figures to require at least a couple rehab starts before rejoining the Astros' rotation. Verlander has been working his way back from a right shoulder problem.

Verlander (shoulder) will throw a live batting practice session Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The plan for Monday's batting practice is for Verlander to throw three innings and around 50 pitches. If that goes well, the veteran right-hander would begin his rehab assignment as he works his way back to the Astros' rotation.