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The Astros starting rotation is about to receive a major boost. Astros manager Joe Espada announced that ace Justin Verlander is set to make his season debut on Friday night against the Washington Nationals. The three-time Cy Young Award winner opened the season on the injured list due to inflammation in his right shoulder. The 41-year-old went 7-and-3 with a 3.31 ERA through 11 starts with Houston last season after being acquired from the New York Mets during the season.