(SportsRadio 610) - Justin Verlander's return to Houston is now official.
Major League Baseball has given formal approval to Verlander's two-year, $50 million agreement with the Astros, which appeared to be in limbo once the league began its lockout Dec. 2.
Audacy MLB insider Jon Heyman reports Verlander and the Astros signed and submitted the deal Dec. 1. The commissioner's office later approved the contract after working with the players' union.
"Since the contract was signed prior to the expiration of the CBA it’s valid for the 2022 season," Heyman tweeted.
Verlander was sidelined the past two seasons to rehab from Tommy John surgery. His return should bolster an Astros rotation that also includes Lance McCullers Jr., Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia and Jose Urquidy. The Astros also have Cristian Javier and Jake Odorizzi as starter options.
The last time Verlander pitched a full season, he won the 2019 American League Cy Young Award, beating out then-teammate Gerrit Cole.
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