Odorizzi Looks Close to Return After Dominant Rehab Start

The Houston Astros, at 26-21, are in a tight battle for the top spot in the AL West. They currently trail the Oakland Athletics (28-21) by a single game, which means the Astros would likely welcome any sort of edge that they can get. Fortunately, help might be on the way soon in the form of right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi.

The 2019 All-Star has been out of the Astros lineup for the last month or so with a strained right forearm. However, it's looking like he could be back on Houston's mound sooner than later after a dominant outing during his rehab stint on Monday night.

.@JakeOdorizzi has pitched four scoreless innings. Given up two hits with seven strikeouts. pic.twitter.com/5T3DyzTN18
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 25, 2021

Jake Odorizzi Injury Update

Odorizzi, who hasn't pitched for the Astros since April 24, looked incredible in his out with the team's Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Skeeters. The 31-year-old pitcher delivered 4.2 scoreless innings while striking out seven batters without allowing a walk on 77 pitches. It's obviously a small sample size, but it's still an encouraging rehab outing that brings Odorizzi one step closer back to the MLB. All that's left is to see how he feels on the day after the game.

Injuries have marred Odorizzi's career over the last two seasons. He's only suited up for seven starts since 2020, including three this season. The hope is that his last rehab stint will put the injuries behind him because if one person could use a clean slate, it's Odorizzi. He's currently 0-2 on the season with an underwhelming 10.13 ERA through just 8.0 innings pitched.

If the Astros want to win their division by the end of the season, they're going to need Odorizzi to come back playing like his old self. Houston currently has the best odds to win the AL West at -125, according to FanDuel SportsBook.

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