“Wish This Wasn’t the End”: Houston’s Justin Verlander Blames “Different” Injury for His Poor Form Amid Unclear Astros Future

Uncertainty is a constant in the sports realm, but when you’re a legend like Justin Verlander, does it still linger? Sadly, it does. Recently, he stepped onto the field for his pregame warm-up at Progressive Field, where the 41-year-old sported a nostalgic look, rolling his gray pants legs up to the knees and revealing his dark blue socks—something he did back twice in 2016 and 2017. While fans were amazed to see him that way, another question was in their heads: what went wrong for Verlander in 2024?

See, after a tough stretch of injuries, time has turned into Verlander’s enemy. While he made his comeback from a two-month neck injury, admitting he returned “a little fast” after his last outing. With the regular season ending Sunday, the question of whether Verlander will play a role in the team’s postseason plans remains up in the air—nor manager Joe Espada offered any clarity on that front. This leaves fans with lingering doubts about what’s next for the veteran pitcher and his future with the team.

How does Justin Verlander feel?

But recent reports suggest that Verlander’s start in Cleveland might not only mark the end of his season but also his farewell to the Astros, as he’s set to become a free agent. If this was indeed his last outing, it was a good one—he allowed three runs in six innings, notching the 262nd win of his illustrious career! It’s hard not to feel a bit sad at the thought that we might not see him in the Astros uniform again. And even Verlander seems disheartened by the uncertainty of it all!

And postgame, Justin Verlander expressed, “To be frank, I wish this wasn’t the end of the season.” What does he believe could be the reason? Well, the pitcher went on to highlight the toll injuries have taken on him. Injuries are part of the game, but this time feels different.

Normally, he finds that spark to bounce back, but as the 41-year-old himself put it, “It’s just been a little off, and there’s been nothing to make it click.” Still, he found a silver lining, saying it was great to “end on a strong note.” Even if he wishes it weren’t the final chapter. And honestly, we feel that too. Things did end on a good note!

Since returning from the IL. But on Saturday, he managed to work into the sixth inning for the first time since May 29, allowing seven hits, striking out five, and not issuing a walk. Averaging 93.5 mph on his pitches, he managed to even hit 96.9 mph on a fastball to Ramírez in the third inning, marking his second-fastest pitch of the season! There’s a glimmer of improvement here. But as he probably bids goodbye, what’s next for the 41-year-old?

What’s next for the pitcher?

As the soon-to-be 42-year-old faced reporters postgame. He sported something special. It was the wrestling-style belt the Astros handed out to their players of the game after winning this season. At the same time, the thought of it potentially being his last outing with the team didn’t seem to weigh on him. “You never know what’s going to happen,” Verlander remarked. “I’ve got some work to do this offseason, personally. And that’s what’s next after whatever unfolds in the playoffs.” So, we know how he thinks till playoffs, but what after that?

See, after the 2024 season wraps up, Justin Verlander finds himself on the brink of free agency. That too for the third time in four years. Last stint? That came in the market after he captured his third Cy Young Award, earning a two-year, $86.67 million deal with the Mets. This season, however, has been a roller coaster—crumbled with injuries allowing me to pitch just 90⅓ innings. Yet, those last few outings hinted he is still in the game. But the big question remains: what uniform will he wear next year? The future is uncertain, but one thing stands out—Verlander’s love for Houston is crystal clear.

The 41-year-old made it clear: he loves Houston—the people, the teammates, everything about it. But while Justin’s future may be shrouded in uncertainty, the outlook is bright for the Houston Astros, who are heading back to the MLB playoffs for the eighth consecutive year! But the matchup for the Wild Card round hinges on the final game of the season, with the contenders being either the Kansas City Royals or the Detroit Tigers. So, will we see Justin on the playoff mound? What are your thoughts? Drop it in the comments!