Nothing was ever going to dismantle Justin Verlander's reputation as a future Hall of Famer in 2022. Even if he came out and flopped harder than he ever had before, it would have been understandable and eminently forgivable under the circumstances.
It only makes it that much sweeter that he's doing the improbable of actually adding to his resume for Cooperstown.
The Houston Astros ace is thriving through his first eight starts of the season, as he's tied for second among pitchers with 2.2 rWAR while also leading everyone with a 1.22 ERA. He stands to push the latter even lower if he can make it four straight scoreless outings tonight against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.