Justin Verlander’s Opening Day status is now in question.
The Astros’ ace is behind schedule due to a “little hiccup” in his right shoulder, he told reporters Wednesday.
He said “it’s too far down the road to tell” when asked about any concerns for Opening Day, when the Astros welcome the rival Yankees for a four-game set.
“I’m a little bit behind schedule right now,” Verlander said. “I had a little hiccup early on that’s resolved itself, but I have to be really cautious with how I’m building up.
“I guess my body doesn’t respond the same at 40 as it did at 25, so I’m a couple of weeks behind.”
Verlander said that his shoulder “didn’t feel so great” when he attempted to throw after shutting down after the season, which is a natural rest period for pitchers.
Any delay, though, hurts his chances to complete his progression during the approximately six weeks of spring training.
The Astros open their season with a four-game set against the Yankees on March 28, and Verlander, if healthy, seemingly would be the favorite to take the ball in the opener.
He started Houston’s first postseason game last year after being acquired from the Mets in a midseason trade.
Verlander, who turns 41 on Feb. 20, said his Opening Day availability will depend on how his buildup goes during camp.
“I’ve always been somebody who luckily could pick up a ball and start throwing it, and this time wasn’t quite so easy,” Verlander said. “Had to slow down a little bit.
“I’ve always liked to give myself as much rest as possible, so my timeline is always a little tight. I think the rest is important, but with the tight timeline, having to slow things down a little bit, put me a little behind.”
Verlander missed the start of last season with the Mets due to a strained back muscle — and didn’t make his Mets debut until May 4.
Astros general manager Dana Brown downplayed any concern.
The Mets have reason to monitor Verlander’s health since he has a vesting $35 million option for 2025 should he pitch 140 innings this year, and the Mets would be on the hook for half of that salary.
“Just some shoulder inflammation, I think he’s going to be fine. He’s actually playing catch still,” Brown told reporters. “I think he’s going to be fine. I’m not concerned at all.”
Verlander and the Astros are looking to return to the World Series after falling at home in Game 7 of the ALCS to the in-state rival Rangers.
The righty went 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA after being acquired before the deadline, helping Houston claim the AL West on the final day of the regular season.
Houston made a big splash this offseason by landing closer Josh Hader, and recently extended veteran second baseman Jose Altuve for five years and $125 million.
The Astros are +700 at FanDuel to win the World Series, the third-best odds among all teams and tops among American League squads.
Their +380 odds to win the AL pennant are just head of the Yankees’ +400 odds.