After getting injured in the midst of the 2021 season, Justin Verlander is back for the Houston Astros. The veteran pitcher returned to the mound for his first team after a long time against the Los Angeles Angels, and it was a magnificent performance. It was highlighted by striking out reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani… thrice. That's one hell of a performance from a guy returning from an injury.

After the game, Justin Verlander was asked about facing Shohei Ohtani for the first time in three years. The Astros pitcher had nothing but praise for Ohtani, noting the fact that his two-way excellence was unlike anything the baseball world has seen. (via Brian McTaggart)

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Pitchers who happen to be good hitters are rare nowadays. Zack Greinke for the Astros last year could hit decently well and pitch at a high level… and that's about it. However, no one, and I mean no one, has done it quite like Ohtani. Ohtani could give you a 10 strikeouts AND two home runs… all in one game. He is two-way excellence personified.

Want proof of just how good Ohtani is? In their Opening Day loss to the Astros (where Verlander didn't start), Ohtani started the game as the pitcher… and was the leadoff hitter as well. Ohtani went for nine Ks in just over 4 innings. However, Houston overcame this obstacle and went on to win 3 – 1.

This time out, the Astros weren't able to capitalize on Verlander's outstanding debut, dropping 2 – 0 thanks to Mike Trout's first home run of the season. Still, it will be exhilarating to watch the Astros and the Angels duke it out as the season progresses.