Justin Verlander's Struggles: Will He Make the Astros Playoff Rotation?
The Astros' Ace is Facing an Uphill Battle
Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has been a dominant force in Major League Baseball for nearly two decades. However, the 39-year-old right-hander has struggled mightily in 2023, raising concerns about his ability to contribute to the Houston Astros' playoff rotation.
Verlander's Struggles in 2023
Verlander's ERA currently sits at 6.45, the highest it has been since his rookie season in 2005. He has allowed 12 home runs in just 40.1 innings pitched, a significant increase from his previous season's total of 17 home runs allowed in 175 innings. Additionally, Verlander's strikeout rate has dropped to 7.5 per nine innings, down from 10.1 last year.
The Astros have noticed Verlander's struggles and have limited his innings in recent starts. He threw just 85 pitches in his outing on May 27th, the lowest total of his season.
Possible Causes of Verlander's Decline
Several factors could be contributing to Verlander's decline. At 39 years old, he is entering the twilight of his career, and his body may not be able to withstand the rigors of a full season. Additionally, Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020, and it is possible that he is still regaining his full strength.
Verlander's mechanics may also be contributing to his struggles. He has been known to have a herky-jerky delivery, and some believe that he may be putting too much stress on his arm.
Outlook for the Playoffs
Despite his struggles, Verlander remains a valuable asset to the Astros. His experience and leadership are invaluable, and he has shown in the past that he can pitch effectively in the playoffs.
However, Verlander's current performance raises questions about his ability to be a reliable starter in the postseason. If he cannot improve his command and velocity, he may be relegated to a bullpen role or even left off the playoff roster altogether.
Conclusion
Justin Verlander's struggles in 2023 have been a major concern for the Houston Astros. While he remains a valuable asset to the team, his declining performance raises questions about his ability to contribute to the playoff rotation. The Astros will need Verlander to improve his command and velocity if they want to make a deep run in the postseason.
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