Justin Verlander underwent groin surgery but the Houston Astros ace could still be ready for the start of the MLB season.

Verlander had surgery on his right groin, which will sideline the star Astros pitcher for six weeks, Houston announced on Tuesday.

However, the 37-year-old 2011 American League MVP and two-time AL Cy Young Award winner could still be on the mound when the season starts after the 2020 campaign was delayed due to coronavirus.

Originally scheduled to start on March 26, the MLB season was postponed for two weeks before being pushed back even further on Monday amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Initially, the hope was that physical therapy would be the proper course of action," Astros general manager James Click said.

"However, after a recent setback in his rehab, the medical staff recommended that a surgical procedure was necessary."

Verlander – an eight-time All-Star – was already in doubt for the start of the season due to a mild right latissimus dorsi strain.

In 2019, Verlander tallied 300 strikeouts with a 21-6 win-loss record in 34 appearances as the Astros reached the World Series before falling to the Washington Nationals.