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MLB playoffs: Justin Verlander doesn't make Astros roster for wild-card series vs. Tigers

liz roscher
Staff writer
·2 min read

The Houston Astros released their roster for their American League wild-card series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, and it was missing one very familiar name: Justin Verlander.

The 41-year-old starting pitcher did not make Houston's wild-card playoff roster and won't be able to appear in a game until the AL Division Series — if the Astros make it that far.

It has been a tough season for Verlander, who had an ERA of nearly 4.00 before going on the injured list in June due to a neck problem. He didn't make his way back from that injury for two months, finally returning on Aug. 19.

Since then, his results have been less than great. In seven starts since coming back from the injured list, Verlander has an 8.10 ERA.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander delivers against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of a baseball game in Cleveland, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Phil Long)
Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander won't be pitching in the team's AL wild-card series against the Tigers. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Some of that inflated ERA is due to two really bad starts in September (he allowed eight runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sept. 8 and six against the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 21). But his other five starts were mostly so-so.

If the Astros had a weaker pitching staff, Verlander probably would have made the wild-card roster. But Houston has the the sixth-best staff in baseball by ERA (3.74), and both the rotation and bullpen have been outstanding. There was just no room for Verlander on this playoff roster.

It's possible Houston might need Verlander in the ALDS, depending on how many games they play in the wild-card series and how their starting pitchers line up. So there's still a chance we could see Verlander pitch in yet another postseason.