Houston Astros veteran star right-hander Justin Verlander made his return to the mound last night, providing the Astros with a needed boost in the starting rotation. He pitched five innings, allowing just runs, four hits, and striking out six batters.
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While Houston did lose the game to the Boston Red Sox, the return of Verlander provides some hope for a long playoff run. The Astros have already lost multiple starters for the season, including Cristian Javier, J.P. France, Luis Garcia, Lance McCullers Jr., and José Urquidy.
Houston has survived throughout the year by solid performances from guys such as Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and others. The team added left-hander Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline as well so Verlander’s return helps to round everything out.
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Missing the start of the season due to a concern in his shoulder, Verlander was limited to just 10 starts this season. His second stint on the injured list was a little concerning as there was no telling how Verlander would perform when he returned. But Astros manager Joe Espada was confident that his veteran arm would come out strong.
“It’s big getting JV on the mound. It’s getting one of the best back in there,” Espada said. “We know what he means. We know he’s part of this winning culture, and getting him back is a big boost for our team, especially down the stretch.”
At age 41, Verlander is defying a lot of criticisms about him still pitching. On the season, he holds a record of 3-3, with an ERA of 3.92. He has struck out 57 batters over 62 innings of work.
With Verlander back in the fold, the sky is the limit for the Astros to finish the season. Considering where the Astros were at the start of the season, the turnaround that they have seen has been incredible.
Houston sits with a five-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for the American League West division crown. The next 11 games for the Astros will be crucial in determining how everything shakes out as they play games against the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Kansas City Royals.
It’s a tough schedule toward the end of the season but the Astros feel confident in what they can accomplish. With Verlander now back, Houston should be feared in the AL once again as they look to continue their seven consecutive-year streak of playing in the ALCS.
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