Spring Training Game Thread. Astros vs. Tigers, March 9, 12:05 PM CDT

One of the primary goals for all thirty clubs emerging from Spring Training is to have a relatively healthy roster on Opening Day. Unfortunately for the Astros, who are already a bit thin in the starting pitcher department, recent developments have thrown some doubt there as ace Justin Verlander has experienced another setback. First, it was his groin that was limiting his workload earlier in camp. The 2019 AL Cy Young winner looked like he was actually past that groin issue during his previous start last Tuesday. But a sore triceps in his right arm shortened his scheduled four inning appearance on Sunday to only two innings and throws additional doubt about his status as we inch closer to the regular season. We’ll have to wait and see what the test results indicate for the right-hander.

By the way, the Astros also fell to the Mets by the score of 3-1 on Sunday. Cy Sneed pitched two scoreless innings with two hits and a walk allowed following Verlander’s sudden departure. Jose Urquidy then threw the remaining four innings while allowing three runs on six hits and a walk. The lineup as a unit didn’t contribute much to the cause (1 BB, 11 K) as Alex De Goti drove in the only run of the day with a RBI double in the third inning.