Houston Astros Appear to Be Making a Big Decision with Ace Justin Verlander

With the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins tied at 1-1 in the American League Division Series, it appears that Astros manager Dusty Baker isn't looking to use ace Justin Verlander in Game 4.

The Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins are currently tied 1-1 in the best-of-five American League Division Series.

As the scene shifts to Minnesota, the series is guaranteed to go at least four games.

With that in mind, it doesn't appear that the Astros intend to use ace Justin Verlander in that Game 4, which will be played at Target Field.

Per Twins reporter Bobby Nightengale Jr. on social media:

Dusty Baker says Justin Verlander is “probably not” an option to start Game 4 on short rest, noting the injury risk too. Astros haven’t announced a Game 4 starter.

Dusty Baker says Justin Verlander is “probably not” an option to start Game 4 on short rest, noting the injury risk too. Astros haven’t announced a Game 4 starter.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) October 9, 2023

Verlander went 6.0 scoreless innings in Game 1 on Saturday afternoon, striking out six while giving up just four hits. If he ends up not pitching in Game 4, the Astros could turn to Jose Urquidy or JP France.

The 40-year-old Verlander was acquired from the New York Mets at the trade deadline and owns a 17-11 career playoff record. He's appeared in 36 playoff games lifetime and owns a 3.54 ERA. He's appeared in the playoffs during his tenure with the Tigers and in his previous tenure with the Astros.

He helped Houston win the World Series in 2017 and 2022 before signing with the Mets last offseason.

One of the best pitchers of his generation, he went 13-8 this year in the regular season, striking 144 batters in 162.1 innings.

The Twins will pitch Sonny Gray in Game 3 of the series on Tuesday night. They also haven't announced a starter for Game 4, which is Wednesday.

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