Astros' Justin Verlander says evolution of pitching the 'biggest' factor in wave of injuries

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Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander joins the ranks of the many concerned over the rising injuries plaguing MLB pitchers this season, but he believes it's not as simple as blaming the league’s new pitch clock rules. 

"I don’t know, man. It’s tough," Verlander said Saturday, speaking to KPRC. "I think the game has changed a lot. I think it would be easiest to blame the pitch clock."

Justin Verlander of the Astros warms up prior to Game Six of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 22, 2023, in Houston. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Verlander, who made his first start on Sunday for the Houston Astros' Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys as he continues rehab a shoulder issue, said he believes the uptick in injuries comes down to the evolution of pitching today. 

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"I think in reality, you put everything together and everything has a bit of influence. I think the biggest thing is that the style of pitching has changed so much. Everybody is throwing the ball as hard as they possibly can and spinning the ball as hard as they possibly can. It’s hard to deny those results, obviously." 

"Something needs to change. I don’t have all the answers."

Corey Seager of the Rangers hits a double against Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros during the sixth inning in Game Five of the ALCS at Globe Life Field on Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, pitcher injuries continue to stack up early in the season. 

Cleveland’s Shane Bieber, Atlanta’s Spencer Strider, the New York Yankees’ Jonathan Loáisiga, Miami’s