The Houston Astros released their roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, and it was missing one very familiar name: Justin Verlander.
Verlander, 41, didn’t make Houston’s Wild Card playoff roster and won’t be able to play in a game until the AL Division Series — if the Astros make it that far.
It’s been a rough season for Verlander, who had a nearly 4.00 ERA before going on injured reserve in June with a neck issue. He would not return from this injury for two months, finally returning on August 19. Since then, his results have been far from great. In seven starts since returning from the injured list, Verlander has an 8.10 ERA.
Part of that inflated ERA is due to two very bad starts in September (he allowed eight runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 8 and six against the Los Angeles Angels on September 21). But his other five starts have been mostly mediocre.
If the Astros had a weaker pitching staff, Verlander likely would have made the roster. But the Astros have the sixth-best roster in baseball by ERA (3.74), and their rotation and bullpen have been exceptional. There simply was no room for Verlander on this playoff roster.
It’s possible Houston needs Verlander in the ALDS. It depends on how many games they play in the Wild Card Series, as it will affect how their starting pitchers line up. So there is still a chance to see Verlander in the playoffs.
