Houston Astros Roster
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Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander(groin, lat) is "right on schedule and recovering very well," according to Astros general manager James Click. Verlander underwent right groin surgery on March 17, but there has been no word yet on whether he has begun throwing again. With the season seemingly months away (if it happens at all), the right-handed veteran should be 100% whenever the start date of the 2020 regular season is decided upon. When healthy, Verlander is a top-tier choice in fantasy among starting pitchers, and he could become a nice value as a fantasy ace, depending on when your draft is. As we near the start of the season and Verlander resumes throwing, his price will only go back up.
The Houston Astros are planning to use outfielder Yordan Alvarez in the field more often than they did during his rookie season in 2019. Alvarez was battling some knee soreness before spring training was shut down. It wasn't a serious condition, but it's something worth watching, especially if he'll be roaming the outfield more whenever the regular season starts. Gaining outfield playing time will likely come at the expense of Josh Reddick or Kyle Tucker, but Alvarez can also play some first base. The 22-year-old Cuban was the American League Rookie of the Year last year, slashing .313/.412/.655 with 27 home runs and 78 RBI in 87 games. He has plenty of upside remaining in his bat and is currently going around pick No. 36 in fantasy drafts. One way or another he'll play every day for a stacked Astros lineup.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (groin) underwent right groin surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss around six weeks. Verlander's first start in spring training was delayed until March 3 because of discomfort in his groin, and he wound up making two starts with a 3.86 ERA in 4 2/3 innings with four K's. It's big news, but with Opening Day potentially delayed for another eight weeks, Houston's ace may not have to miss any regular season action at all. However, the 2019 American League Cy Young will still need time to build up his arm before the start of the regular season, making him a much riskier selection in the early rounds as your fantasy ace. Verlander's ADP of 15.4 might not drop all that much, but injury concerns shouldn't be taken lightly for a 37-year-old pitcher with 2,982 regular season innings thrown.
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (knee) will not play on Wednesday as previously reported, per manager Dusty Baker. Alvarez has been dealing with pain in his knee all spring and now his status for Opening Day is in question. The AL Rookie of the Year exploded on the scene last season but has struggled this spring while dealing with the injury. The hope is that the pain will subside with rest and treatment but the fact that the injury continues to linger could slightly hurt his fantasy value heading into drafts.
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (knees) said on Monday that the pain in his knees "has gotten better" and that he'll be ready for Opening Day. Alvarez hasn't played in a spring game in eight days, but he was available to take part in baseball activities on Monday, according to manager Dusty Baker. The skipper is hoping Alvarez can play in a Grapefruit League game by Wednesday. The 2019 American League Rookie of the Year should have time to be ready for Opening Day, but he can't afford any setbacks. He also dealt with some knee issues last year, but Alvarez is still coming off the board, on average, at pick No. 39.2. He has the potential to be an elite fantasy outfielder in Houston's strong lineup over a full season in the big leagues.