REPORT: Houston Astros current crucial key man Lands on Double-A Injured List after rehab start

The Astros, who are on a hot streak, could be getting a significant boost soon.

Justin Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has a second rehab start lined up with Triple-A Sugar Land this week and may rejoin the Astros afterward.

According to Spectrum News, Verlander allowed one run over three innings in his first rehab start on Saturday, throwing 52 pitches, 36 of which were strikes.

After the game, the two-time World Series champion reported feeling good physically. “I was able to push a few fastballs there at the end,” Verlander said, adding that he “checked all the boxes” needed (via Houston Chronicle).

Verlander, who has been sidelined with neck stiffness, hasn’t pitched in an MLB game since June 9. In his 10 starts this season, he has a 3-2 record with a 3.95 ERA.

When Verlander was injured, the Astros were struggling with a 30-36 record on June 9, placing them as the eighth-worst team in the league, according to FanGraphs.

The team has significantly improved over the past two months. Rather than needing Verlander to save their season, he’s set to join a team right in the middle of the AL West race.

The Astros have secured the third-most wins in the majors (32) over the last two months and are tied with the Mariners (63-56) for first place in their division.

FanGraphs data shows that since June 9, Houston has the fourth-best team ERA at 3.55, with their starters posting a 3.53 ERA, second only to the Mariners (2.96).

According to ESPN Bet, the Astros (-170) are favored to win the AL West.