Justin Verlander sidelined indefinitely with elbow injury

Photo courtesy of Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

A bad day for the Astros became worse with the sudden news that reigning Cy Young winner and team ace Justin Verlander was reported to be sidelined for the rest of the season due to an elbow strain.

First reported by the Houston Chronicle's Chandler Rome, it was stated by Dusty Baker after today's game that Verlander would be shut down "for a couple of weeks" with what Baker called a forearm strain. While that may not spell the end of his abbreviated season, it is likely to keep him out of baseball for most, if not all, of the year.

"He'll be shut down for a couple weeks and we'll reevaluate after that time," Baker told reporters.

Baker emphasized how surprised he was to first learn of the news. "You can see that he was throwing the ball great. It was kind of a shock to us all."

Baker also said that Verlander had an MRI done yesterday, and that he told the team that his arm was "tender" during his start. Verlander told the media after Opening Day that he was experiencing little to no pain and was "feeling good".

Baker does not know who will start Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Verlander's place.