Ace Brown Defends Velocity Amidst Injury Speculation

Houston Astros ace Hunter Brown has publicly addressed speculation linking his high-velocity spring training to a recent shoulder strain that has sidelined him. General Manager Dana Brown had suggested that throwing too hard too soon might be the cause. Hunter Brown asserted on Tuesday that his spring training approach was no different from previous years and that his goal was to prepare for the upcoming season.

Brown's defense comes after he threw 102 pitches in his first spring start against the Los Angeles Angels, more than any other Opening Day starter in baseball. His workload was reduced in his subsequent start, but the injury occurred shortly after. He characterized the Grade 2 strain diagnosis as a "best-case scenario," noting his body did not respond well to a recent throwing session. Manager Joe Espada confirmed Brown will not throw for at least two weeks.

The Astros are currently managing multiple pitching injuries, with Cristian Javier also on the injured list due to a Grade 2 shoulder strain. Tatsuya Imai is also sidelined. Both Brown and Javier have similar injuries with no immediate return timetable.