Astros ace Justin Verlander is back throwing five months after having Tommy John surgery.
Verlander celebrated the moment with a commemorative first pitch posted to social media.
Verlander, now 38, was shelved after his first and only start last season due to a reported forearm strain. He underwent surgery in September.
While the Astros have not ruled out a possible return for Verlander this season, it is considered highly unlikely.
Verlander is in the final year of his contract, making his future with the Astros unclear. He signed a two-year, $66 million extension with the team in March 2018.
The Astros could lose Verlander, Zack Greinke and Lance McCullers Jr. in free agency after this season. General manager James Click will have to prioritize the rotation, and how much to invest in Verlander is something he will have to decide in 2021.