JUPITER, Fla. --?For the first time since the 2019 World Series, Astros veteran right-hander Justin Verlander stood on a pitcher¡¯s mound, looked into the stands and saw thousands of pairs of eyes staring back at him on Friday afternoon at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. He was thrilled to be back in his element, even if it was a Grapefruit League game that won¡¯t be remembered in a few months.

Verlander, making his first appearance in a game since he pitched in an empty Minute Maid Park on July 24, 2020 -- Opening Day of the 60-game pandemic-shortened season -- looked sharp in throwing two hitless innings in the Astros' 4-2 loss to the Cardinals. He threw 31 pitches, averaging 94.8 mph with his fastball.

¡°It felt good to be back out there,¡± he said. ¡°Body felt good, arm felt good. I think those are the most important boxes to check. I was a little inconsistent with my stuff, but for the most part was able to make some pitches when I needed to. I think, hopefully, the timing and consistency just comes with more reps.¡±

After missing the 2021 season following Tommy John surgery, Verlander re-signed with the Astros for $25 million for '22 (with a vesting option for ¡¯23). He said Friday that getting to pitch again before 5,007 fans was a gratifying reward for his long rehab.

¡°The thing I felt best about was the fans,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m being honest. I looked up and saw fans, and you hear the crowd and [said], ¡®Man, this is where I¡¯m supposed to be. This is what all the work is for.¡¯ It felt great.¡±

Throwing to top prospect Korey Lee, Verlander needed 13 pitches to throw a 1-2-3 first inning, including a strikeout of Cardinals slugger Paul Goldschmidt. He gave up one walk in the second and struck out Paul DeJong looking to end the inning. He threw 18 of his 31 pitches for strikes and mixed in his slider, changeup and curveball.

¡°It felt good to go against great competition,¡± Verlander said. ¡°You go against those guys -- most of their everyday lineup -- it was good to be able to get those guys out. You really want to test yourself against the best. To pitch against them, I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way.¡±

Still, Verlander, 39, said he will pore over video for hours Saturday to analyze his mechanics and his stuff. Now that he¡¯s back pitching in games, the rest of his Spring Training starts will be about getting better and improving to be ready to begin the season. Friday was another huge step.

¡°Most of the time, you check the boxes like, ¡®Am I healthy? Does everything feel good? OK, how¡¯s my stuff?¡¯ When I execute it, it¡¯s good, but there¡¯s always the consistency part of it that¡¯s lagging behind,¡± Verlander said. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s a little better than others. I think today was about normal.¡±