WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Halfway through this first Spring Training in an Astros uniform, right-hander Justin Verlander couldn't be progressing any better.
Verlander made his third Grapefruit League start in Friday's 4-2 win over the Cardinals, throwing five scoreless innings. He allowed two hits, one run on a homer to Paul DeJong, striking out eight and walking none of the first 11 batters he faced.
In 10 innings this spring, Verlander has allowed four hits, one run and no walks to go with 17 strikeouts.