WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A day after having a bullpen session, Astros right-hander Justin Verlander arrived at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches feeling great Wednesday morning before Houston's 6-1 win over the Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, according to manager Joe Espada.

Verlander, 41, has yet to pitch in an exhibition game because of right shoulder issues. However, he is expected to play catch Wednesday and, hopefully, have a bullpen session on Friday or Saturday. If the bullpen goes well, Verlander could start throwing a live batting practice session soon thereafter.

The Astros have not ruled out Verlander for Opening Day. In fact, general manager Dana Brown expects Verlander to be a major part of the rotation in 2024.

“He never stopped throwing the whole time,” Brown said. “We have to remember that he is an older guy, but he knows his body. So he delayed it a little bit. I think he is going to be fine.

"If he was on the shelf and we had to shut him down or something like that, I would be concerned. But he is still throwing bullpens. He is still out there pitching. He is still working on his craft, so I think he is going to be fine."