"Justin Verlander's Season Start Hindered by Injury Again"

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will start the season on the injured list due to a shoulder issue, marking the second consecutive year he has done so. Despite not suffering a new setback, Verlander will not have enough time to build up to a normal starter’s workload before the team’s Opening Day game. His absence adds uncertainty to the Astros' rotation, with Framber Valdez likely making the Opening Day start and potential for a six-man rotation due to the team's schedule. General manager Dana Brown expressed confidence in the team's depth but did not rule out adding a free-agent starter.