Justin Verlander, 40, has been named the Houston Astros’ starting pitcher for Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS).
The Astros announced on Saturday that Verlander will start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins. Frazier Valdez will start Game 2.
Houston, which won the American League West in a hard-fought series, will host Minnesota in a best-of-five ALDS starting on April 8.
Despite his advanced age, Verlander has pitched 162 1/3 innings in 27 games this season, going 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA.
He’s not just playing well, he’s playing at the top of his game. As a result, he beat out Valdez to start the first game of the postseason.
Justin Verlander. Photo via Getty Images
In 14 games (13 starts)메이저사이트 in the ALDS so far, Verlander has pitched 79 innings with an 8-1 record and a 3.08 ERA. He has 90 strikeouts.
Houston seems to value Verlander’s experience. Verlander is the veteran of the veterans, having started a whopping 35 games in the postseason so far.
Valdez, who took over the No. 2 job behind Verlander, pitched 198 innings in 31 games last season, going 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA. He struck out 166 batters.
While his numbers are down from last year, he’s still a left-handed starter you can count on for one game. Houston’s fate rests on their shoulders.