Verlander, Gray and Giolito all in question for opening day after injuries hit starting pitchers

By TIM BOOTH
AP Sports Writer

Three big-name starting pitchers are dealing with injuries that could cause them to miss the beginning of the regular season — and potentially more. Houston’s Justin Verlander, St. Louis’ Sonny Gray and Boston’s Lucas Giolito are all ailing at spring training. Verlander will start the season on the injured list after being slowed by inflammation in his shoulder. Gray has a hamstring strain that caused him to leave his Grapefruit League start on Monday. And Giolito reported discomfort in his pitching elbow following a start last week when he was roughed up.