In a significant move ahead of the American League Wild Card Series, the Houston Astros have decided to leave veteran pitcher Justin Verlander off their 26-man roster. This decision comes after a tumultuous 2024 season for Verlander, marked by injuries and poor performance.
Verlander's Struggles and Injury Issues
Verlander, who is in his 20th MLB season, has had one of the most difficult stretches of his career. He went 4-6 with a 5.55 ERA in 16 starts this year, including a stint on the injured list due to neck and shoulder injuries. Verlander returned from a neck injury on August 21 but has not pitched longer than five innings in any of his starts since his return.
Despite a solid last start against the Cleveland Guardians, where he allowed three earned runs in six innings, the Astros opted for other pitching options. Verlander acknowledged that he might have returned too quickly from his neck injury, which could have contributed to his poor performance.
Postseason and Future Implications
Verlander, a free agent this offseason, has been placed on the Astros' taxi squad, making him available for activation in case of an injury. This move suggests that while he is not part of the initial Wild Card Series roster, he could still contribute if the Astros advance in the playoffs.
Reflecting on his career, Verlander expressed a mix of emotions, acknowledging the possibility that he might have thrown his final pitch of 2024. He expressed gratitude for his time with the Astros and the Tigers, highlighting his incredible journey and the work he needs to do in the offseason.
Contrasting Roster Decisions
In contrast to Verlander's exclusion, the Astros have included outfielder Yordan Alvarez in their Wild Card Series roster despite his recent knee sprain. Alvarez is set to play as the designated hitter in Game 1 against the Detroit Tigers.
The series between the Astros and the Tigers begins on Tuesday, with the Tigers looking to make a strong postseason appearance for the first time since 2014. The roster decisions highlight the strategic considerations teams must make to optimize their chances in the playoffs.
