It’s a fact: Justin Verlander is going to be the Astros’ starter to kick off the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. After not pitching in the postseason since the 2019 World Series, the Cy Young award frontrunner has his first big challenge days after completing a regular season for the ages at the age of 39.
Here’s everything you need to know…
- This will be Verlander’s 31st career start in the postseason, the fourth-highest mark in history after Andy Pettitte’s 44, Tom Glavine’s 35, and Roger Clemens’ 34. There are only six hurlers with at least 30 starts in October – besides those three and Verlander, Clayton Kershaw and Greg Maddux complete the list, both with 30.