Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander has defied the odds so far this season with quite a historic start to the campaign, which has caught the attention of St. Louis Cardinals hurler Adam Wainwright.

Speaking to MLB.com, Wainwright was asked on just how he has had a stout opening two months to his 2022 campaign at age 40. The one-time World Series winner pointed out that this feat is not “impossible,” especially as Verlander, 39, has been off to a formidable start to the year as well.

“It’s not impossible,” Wainwright said. “Look at what Justin Verlander is doing, coming right (after) Tommy John at 39 years old. Guys like that are inspirations to me.

“You look around and you say, ‘All right, [Verlander] is almost one year younger than I am, still dominating, probably still leading the Cy Young race over [in the American League].'”

After being sidelined for the 2021 season due to Tommy John surgery, Verlander has not only made a successful return to action for the Astros, but he has also turned back the clock as well. He currently leads the American League in multiple notable stats, from ERA (1.22) to ERA+ (301).

Even at this stage in his career, Verlander continues to be a workhorse pitcher for Houston, as he has logged at least 5.0 innings pitched in each of his starts in the campaign so far.

From Wainwright’s standpoint, Verlander’s keen outings this year show that even when a pitcher hits their late 30s or early 40s, they still can orchestrate vintage performances.

“Guys like that who continue to do well just show me that I can do it, too,” Wainwright said. “Obviously, he has way better stuff than I do.

“It’s fun to see guys who have been good for a long time still be good and not give in to that age thing that people just assume you are not going to be good as you get older. I don’t buy into that. Not at all.”

Verlander’s top-class performances so far in the year have not only been vital to the Houston Astros’ turnaround to the season but have also sure made him an early contender for the 2022 American League Cy Young Award.