Is Justin Verlander the Houston Astros’ Lucky Charm?

In a few hours, the Houston Astros will compete for the American League Champions title to make it three in a row. But on the way, they will have to defeat their archrivals, the Texas Rangers. Given the history in between and the division battle that ended on the final league day, the baseball world expects it to be a great contest. However, the recent form gives the Lone Stars an enormous boost, making it imperative for them to remain vigilant as they approach this showdown. But does having Justin Verlander back on the team change the situation for the Astros?

It has been a season of phases for the ace pitcher. After winning the World Series last season, Verlander chose free agency. But his move did not materialize as he would have liked it to. After months of struggles, the 2022 champion made his way back to Houston. Initially, everyone termed it a bad move, but the 40-year-old silenced them all with his performances. He also provided momentum to the Astros, which they were missing in the battle for the playoffs. As it changed everything for them, it made everyone wonder: Is this the charm of Justin Verlander doing wonders?

Magician Justin Verlander Is Back Where He Belongs

In outdoor sports, age plays a big role for the athletes. Whenever any athlete moves into the late 30s, a perception of aging or losing the prime takes over. Though many athletes have proved it wrong, the majority still do not think so. The same happened with Verlander, who signed with the Houston Astros in 2017. Everyone called it a mismatch because of his lack of World Series success, age, and salary. But that was not the case.

Then, 34-year-old Verlander pitched at his best in the postseason, with five wins in five starts. He also claimed 43 strikeouts at an ERA of 1.06 and a WHIP of 0.63. Although Verlander was without considerable success, his performances guaranteed the Astros their first World Series trophy since its inception. It made him a star in Houston, whose aura again shone at the age of 39.

The 2011 MVP continued to help his team qualify for the playoffs. He then played a similar role in the 2022 World Series battle, which saw the Stars win it for the second time in just five years. Magical, isn’t it? Well, those were the numbers Verlander recorded. The 39-year-old helped the team clinch the division with his powerful display on the mound. In 28 games during the league stages, Verlander claimed 18 wins at a winning rate of 0.818. He claimed 185 strikeouts with an ERS of 1.75 and a WHIP of 0.83.

The pitcher continued the same performance in the playoffs, recording four wins with 25 strikeouts, helping the Stars claim Texas. It also helped him win multiple accolades, including the AL Cy Young and the AL Comeback Player of the Year awards. Now, almost a year later, the 40-year-old is slated to start the ALCS proceedings for the Houston Astros. Will he demonstrate the same level of magic?

Verlander on the Mound: Will History Repeat Itself?

It will be another year of Verlander’s post-season appearances and ALCS appearances. The 87 million-dollar ace will look to make the most of it to add another feather to his illustrious career. But will he be able to repeat what he has done to strengthen the title ‘lucky charm’?

Though Justin Verlander had a poor 2023 season, he recovered after moving back to Houston. In 11 games during the league stage, the nine-time All-Star claimed seven victories. He also recorded 63 strikeouts with a WHIP of 1.12 and an ERA of 3.14. Notably, his performance came when the Astros needed him the most.

Read More: In the Lone Star State Battle, Will the Texas Rangers Avenge the Mighty Houston Astros? Final-Second Division Steal?

The Stars languished in the playoff spot after losing multiple series to the losing teams. But Verlander helped them win crucial games. Apart from the mound, his presence also counted, as the Astors won five of six games to get back to the top and win the division. He continued the same in playoff games to record a win with an ERA of 0.00 for an enormous boost to the title defense.

Now Verlander has been announced as the starting pitcher for the first game of the ALCS. He would be against his known rivals, the Texas Rangers. Given his experience, everyone expects him to do well. Furthermore, his performance history when facing the Rangers also supports his case. In 133 at-bats, the experienced pitcher has allowed 12 RBIs and three HRs at an OPS of 0.614. In the current season too, he has dominated the Rangers, which adds to his worth as a player.

But Verlander would be against a well-gelled offense this time, and it would be interesting to see how he copes with it. However, if statistics after his return are counted, his return has shaped similar to 2017, when the Astros benefited from his signing. Also, his performances, especially in 2019 and 2022, wearing the same jersey, add to a claim of a similar thing happening this season. If they count all the factors, Verlander could be on another magical finish to the season and claim the title of ‘lucky charm’ for the Astros, who are “Ready 2 Reign”.?

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