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Justin Verlander can rewrite World Series narrative with Houston Astros

By David Hill

Oct 19, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) reacts after striking out Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (not pictured) to end the sixth inning in game one of the ALCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) reacts after striking out Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (not pictured) to end the sixth inning in game one of the ALCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Verlander has had an impressive 2022 campaign thus far for the Houston Astros.

After missing most of the past two seasons due to the pandemic and Tommy John surgery, Verlander came back with a vengeance this year. He led the majors with a 1.75 ERA and a 0.829 WHiP in his 175 innings, striking out 185 batters with 29 walks. It is understandable as to why he would be the favorite for the AL Cy Young award this season.

Justin Verlander needs to put World Series history in the past

It is just the latest chapter in what will be a Hall of Fame career. A nine time All Star and the 2011 AL MVP, Verlander has won a pair of Cy Young awards, the pitching Triple Crown in 2011, and was the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year. He has a lifetime 244-133 record, posting a 3.24 ERA and a 1.117 WHiP with 3198 strikeouts in his 3163 innings. Whenever he decides to call it a career, Cooperstown will be calling.

However, for all of his success in the regular season, Verlander has struggled in the World Series. He has pitched in seven games in his four previous World Series appearances and has yet to win any of those starts. Thus far, he has posted a 0-6 record with a 5.68 ERA and a 1.289 WHiP over his 38 innings, striking out 39 batters with 14 walks.

That is the one dent in Verlander’s armor. He has pitched reasonably well in the other playoff rounds, with an ERA and WHiP near his career marks. The World Series, however, is a completely different animal. In that area, Verlander has fallen short.

It is also a narrative that can change. If Verlander has a dominant World Series, and the Astros take home another championship, his past struggles will not matter any longer. Winning has an impressive ability to erase the past and that will certainly be the case if Verlander and the Astros celebrate a second title.

Next. Three storylines for the World Series. dark

Justin Verlander has been a key part of why the Houston Astros are in the World Series. Now he has to overcome his personal struggles in the Fall Classic.

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