MLB Insider Shares Elite Justin Verlander Postseason Stat
The MLB postseason had a quick turn through the Wild Card round and into the Division Series.
Every Wild Card series was a sweep and now the fun truly begins.
The final eight teams with take the field starting on Saturday for the beginning of the Divisional round.
One team that everyone has their eyes on is the defending champion Houston Astros.
They once again won the NL West and now get to host the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS.
Houston made a huge move around the trade deadline to bolster their roster for this time of the year.
That was by trading for reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
After letting him leave in free agency, the Astros traded for Verlander knowing he could help them get back on top.
According to Jon Morosi, Verlander is expected to start Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday.
Justin Verlander will start Game 1 of the ALDS, his 35th career postseason start.
That’s the most among active @MLB pitchers.
Top 6 in the Wild Card Era: Pettitte, 44; Verlander, 34; Kershaw, 31; Maddux, Glavine, Clemens, 26.@MLBNetwork @Astros
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 5, 2023
This will be his 35th career postseason start, which is the most among active pitchers and the second most in the Wild Card era.
At 40 years old Verlander may not be what he once was.
Yet, he can still pitch at a high level.
But, Verlander has seen his numbers get worse in the playoffs throughout his career.
He has a career postseason ERA of 3.64.
Not to mention his career World Series stats are not good.
He is 1-6 in the World Series with an ERA of 5.63.
Last year, he made four playoff starts and had an ERA of 5.85.
Verlander is hoping to put to bed the idea that he cannot pitch well in the playoffs.
He gets another opportunity to prove that starting on Saturday.
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