Houston Astros ‘likely’ to be without star pitcher in October

The Houston Astros appear poised for the playoffs as a team, but the management and coaching staff will still have plenty of decisions to make.

None of those decisions will be more important than the one they make with Justin Verlander. The right-hander is an all-time great pitcher, but he hasn’t pitched well since returning from a neck injury.

While it would be strange to see the Astros without Verlander, and his career success could outshine his past starts, Houston needs to make the best decision for themselves.

There comes a point where every pitcher in the history of the game starts to slow down, and it seems like the time has come for Verlander to do so.

Maybe he’ll get healthy this summer and return to a high level, but so far he hasn’t been good enough.

This decision has not yet been made but is expected to be made in the near future.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, “it’s becoming increasingly likely” that he won’t pitch in October.

“If they do meet, it’s likely to be without future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander on the playoff roster. He has an 8.89 ERA in six starts since returning from the injured list and conceded Friday he may have returned too soon from his neck injury.”

Verlander’s neck injury derailed his year. He had to rehab after his last start earlier in the week.

“I think I came back a little quick from my neck injury,” he said, according to KHOU 11. “Obviously, I know the schedule and I want to be an asset to this team. To do that, I have to be able to pitch and know where I’m at. Obviously, the results haven’t been good, but there’s nothing you can do but try to pitch.”

Over the season, the Virginia native posted a 5.55 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 4.86 FIP and struck out just 69 batters in 84 1/3 innings pitched.

For a pitcher who was one of the best in baseball history throughout his nearly 20-year career, 2024 was the worst campaign he ever had.

If Verlander doesn’t pitch in the playoffs, that leaves another spot in the rotation for someone to take over.

Astros pitchers are already doing it this season, expect them to find out if he doesn’t pitch in October.