Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander has enjoyed yet another phenomenal season in 2022 in his Hall of Fame career. He pitched just one game in 2020 before missing all of 2021 due to Tommy John Surgery. Astros third baseman Alex Bregman discussed Verlander’s outstanding start to the season, via Mark Berman.
Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1) on @JustinVerlander who leads the Majors in ERA (1.22), WHIP (0.72), opponent’s average (.161) and opponent’s OPS (.441) and is tied for 1st in wins (6): “He’s been amazing. He’s been the Cy Young candidate that he is.” @astros pic.twitter.com/klHnnHv3fX
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 27, 2022
While he’s been an elite pitcher his whole career, Verlander’s comeback is still impressive. He’s missed nearly two full seasons and hasn’t missed a beat this season. The eight-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young winner is 6-1 with a 1.22 ERA in eight starts on the year. He hasn’t allowed a single run in his last three starts, as he’s racked up 19 innings and 18 strikeouts while giving up just nine hits.
Speaking of Cy Youngs, Verlander seems primed to get his third one. Right now, he’s the heavy favorite in the AL. In his last full season in 2019, Verlander won the Cy Young after a second-place finish in 2018. After interest from numerous teams including the Yankees, Verlander opted to re-sign with the Astros in November in a one-year, $25 million deal. At 39 years old, Verlander may be in line for one last big payday.
Despite the loss of Carlos Correa, the Astros have continued their AL West dominance this season. Entering Friday’s action, the Astros are up 2.5 games on the Angels with their 29-16 record. The record is second-best in the AL and third-best in baseball. Verlander has been a huge part of that once again and his consistent dominance will be crucial in trying to get his second World Series ring.
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