Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander will reportedly start the fifth game of the World Series, per a tweet from MLB.com's Brian McTaggart on Wednesday. The veteran right-hander has pitched to a 7.20 ERA, a 3.31 FIP, 19 strikeouts, and four walks in 15 innings this postseason. He previously logged a 1.75 ERA and a 2.49 FIP with 185 strikeouts compared to 29 walks allowed in 175 regular-season innings. Most recently, Verlander gave up six hits, five earned runs, and two walks while striking out six batters in five innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of the World Series.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander's World Series woes continued Friday night in Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies, when his team lost 6-5 in 10 innings. Over five innings, he allowed five runs on six hits while walking a pair and striking out five. Verlander is 0-6 in World Series games with a 6.07 ERA across eight starts. The probable Cy Young winner had one of his best seasons at 39 years old, winning 18 games with a 1.75 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 27.8% strikeout rate. If the series goes long enough, Verlander will get another start and hopefully improve on his 7.20 ERA this postseason.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander will start Game 1 of the World Series on Friday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. Verlander has been Houston's ace all year, so this was fully expected. The 39-year-old allowed six earned runs on 10 hits in just four innings in his first start this postseason against the Seattle Mariners in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, but he bounced back in a big way to give up just one run while striking out 11 in six innings in the Game 1 win over the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series. Verlander made one start against the Phillies just recently on Oct. 4 and threw five hitless and scoreless innings while walking one and striking out 10 at the end of the regular season.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander was clearly rusty in Tuesday's American League Division Series Game 1 8-7 win over the Mariners. Verlander pitched 4 innings, allowing six runs on 10 hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with three strikeouts. The veteran did pass Clayton Kershaw for the most strikeouts in postseason history with his 208th in the fourth inning, but that record may exchange hands throughout the playoffs. More importantly, the Astros will hope that Verlander can return to his stellar regular season numbers. He will likely pitch at the end of this series if it gets extended or at the beginning of the American League Championship Series if the Astros advance.

The Houston Astros activated starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned Seth Martinez to the minors in a corresponding move. Verlander, who landed on the injured list on Aug. 30 with a calf injury, will make the start in a great matchup against the Oakland Athletics on Friday. There's a chance he could face a pitch count in his first start back, though, since he didn't go on a minor league rehab assignment while away from the team. Still, it's hard to leave the 39-year-old ace out of starting lineups, especially in the excellent matchup. The nine-time All-Star currently leads all of baseball in ERA (1.84), wins (16) and WHIP (0.85) while striking out 154 and walking just 26 in 152 innings over 24 starts.

The tentative plan is for Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (calf) to return to the starting rotation on Friday against the Oakland Athletics, but manager Dusty Baker said it's not finalized yet. Verlander has already thrown multiple bullpen sessions without any setbacks and appears rearing to rejoin the rotation for the stretch run in September. The 39-year-old two-time Cy Young winner continues to be one of the best starting pitchers in fantasy despite his age, as he's gone 16-3 with a league-leading 1.84 ERA (2.71 FIP), a league-leading 0.85 WHIP, 154 strikeouts and only 26 walks in 152 innings over 24 starts. Verlander will be a no-brainer must-start against Oakland if he does indeed make his return on Friday.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) is with the team on their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers and is playing catch in right field at Comerica Park. Verlander is hoping to return from the 15-day injured list to make a start during this weekend's series against the Oakland Athletics. The 39-year-old right-hander threw his second bullpen session on Sunday, and he won't need a minor league rehab assignment before returning to the rotation. Verlander might not have a very long leash in his first start back, but it's hard to argue leaving him out of your fantasy lineups. The two-time Cy Young winner is 16-3 with a league-leading 1.84 ERA (2.71 FIP), a league-leading 0.85 WHIP, 154 strikeouts and only 26 walks in 152 innings over 24 starts this year.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) threw a 30-pitch bullpen Friday, and pitching coach Josh Miller reported that "everything went well" during the session. Verlander has been progressing nicely after hurting his calf in a start two weeks ago and expects to return to the Astros rotation before the season is over. That being said, there is no concrete timeline and the team is likely to wait until they are sure Verlander is healthy, considering their current position in the standings. Still, Verlander can do a lot of good for fantasy managers in a small number of starts, so he should be kept around in hopes he returns soon.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (calf) is progressing nicely, perhaps even quicker than expected. He hasn't thrown off a pitching rubber yet, but he threw off the slope of the mound on Wednesday. Verlander is hoping to throw a light bullpen session in the next couple of days, but there's still no concrete timetable for his return to the starting rotation. The Astros will want the 39-year-old two-time Cy Young winner fully healthy for the playoffs, so they'll make sure not to rush him back to close out September. It sounds like he'll be ready to go sooner than later, but he's still running out of time to help fantasy managers. Verlander continues to be excellent for fantasy managers, posting a league-best ERA (1.84) and WHIP (0.85) while striking out 154 and walking 26 in 152 innings over 24 starts in 2022.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) was seen throwing on flat ground on Monday. General manager James Click said on Sunday that Verlander isn't likely to return from the 15-day injured list when he's eligible on Sept. 13, but he shouldn't be out too far beyond that. The 39-year-old right-hander could be ready to go on a minor league rehab assignment sometime later this week. Houston will stick with a six-man rotation with Verlander sidelined, and pitching prospect Hunter Brown is scheduled to make his major league debut on Monday against the Texas Rangers. Verlander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2022, going 16-3 with a pristine 1.84 ERA (2.71 FIP), a league-leading 0.85 WHIP and a 154:26 K:BB in 152 innings over 24 starts. Keep him stashed everywhere.

The Houston Astros placed starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. The veteran has enjoyed a strong bounce-back season in 2022, both for the American League West club and for fantasy managers, pitching to a 1.84 ERA, a 2.72 FIP, 154 strikeouts, and 26 walks in 152 innings this season. Houston also optioned outfielder Jake Meyers to Triple-A while also recalling pitcher Brandon Bielak and first baseman J.J. Matijevic. The team also added pitching prospect Hunter Brown to their taxi squad.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf), who is the leading candidate for the American League Cy Young award this year, was pulled from his outing on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles after only three innings (60 pitches) with right calf discomfort. Skipper Dusty Baker said Verlander would undergo an MRI exam on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, but Baker was relieved the injury wasn't to Verlander's arm or shoulder. The 39-year-old right-hander was tied for the league lead with 16 wins while also leading the majors in ERA (1.87) and opponents' OPS (.510) heading into Sunday's start. Houston has been careful with Verlander's workload in his comeback from Tommy John surgery, so expect them to bring him back slowly. If he's out for an extended period of time, the Astros could use a five-man rotation of Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) was removed early during Sunday's start against the Baltimore Orioles. The veteran right-hander was removed due to right calf discomfort. It sounds like Verlander was removed as a precaution, so it doesn't sound like this is something that will sideline him. The 39-year-old has been fantastic this season, so hopefully this won't be something that slows him down. Fantasy managers will have to check back later in the day for more information.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander was outstanding once again in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Twins. Verlander pitched 6 no-hit innings, allowing no walks with 10 strikeouts. The veteran has looked like his old self this season, compiling a 16-3 record with a 1.87 ERA in 23 starts and 149 IP. His performance is keeping him in the race as a legitimate Cy Young candidate, and he could help fantasy managers make deep playoff runs. He will look to keep things rolling in his next start at the Rangers.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander turned in a pedestrian start by his standards in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the White Sox. Verlander went up against fellow Cy Young candidate Dylan Cease and pitched 7 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and a walk with four strikeouts. The fact that this was a down start for the 39-year-old speaks to how well he has pitched this season, as he is now 15-3 with a 1.95 ERA, an 8.69 K/9 rate, and a 1.57 BB/9 rate over 22 starts and 143 IP. Fantasy managers who put their trust in Verlander have been well-rewarded this season. He will look to keep things going in his next start against the Twins at home.

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander (12-3) allowed six hits while striking out 10 across six scoreless innings in Saturday's 5-0 win over the Oakland Athletics. He returned on Saturday after being away from the team since July 7 due to a family issue. The 39-year-old cruised through six scoreless innings to earn his 12th win of the season. He threw 106 pitches, firing 73 for strikes. The veteran right-hander is third in the majors in both ERA and WHIP. Verlander heads into the All-Star break with a 1.89 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts across 109 1/3 innings in 2022.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander has enjoyed a terrific first 10 starts to the 2022 season after missing all of 2021 recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 39-year-old has returned with a 6-2 record, 2.23 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, seven quality starts, and 61 strikeouts across 64 2/3 innings. While the eight-time All-Star's velocity is strong at 94.8 MPH, he has seen regression in the strikeout department with an 8.5 k/9 rate - his lowest mark since 2015. The MLB Comeback Player of the Year favorite will look to take the mound early next week at home against the Seattle Mariners and continue his impressive return.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander was excellent yet again on Saturday night, tossing six-shutout frames as his club defeated the Rangers 2-1. The veteran struck out eight and allowed six hits (all singles) in the dominant 95-pitch showing, giving him his league-leading sixth win of the campaign. Verlander is looking in vintage form by also leading the majors with a 1.22 ERA and 0.72 WHIP with 49 K through 51 2/3 IP. Managers who took a shot on the 39-year-old are getting much more than their money's worth as he looks to keep his comeback season going versus the Mariners next week.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander has been one of baseball's best performers through the first five weeks of the season. In six games, Verlander has pitched to a 4-1 record with a 1.55 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings. He has a five-game quality starts streak and has not allowed more than three runs in any start this year. With just six innings total in the 2020 and 2021 seasons combined, Verlander's value was somewhat depressed at draft time, but he should be leaping up rankings after his dominance to start the year.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander was dominant on Saturday night, tossing eight-shutout innings in the club's 4-0 win over the Mariners. The veteran didn't walk a batter and allowed just three hits which were all singles as he struck out eight in the 87-pitch performance. Verlander was sitting in the 94-95 MPH range with his fastball, throwing 64 of his pitches for strikes as he's now surrendered just one run through his first 13 innings of 2022. Managers who took a shot on the 39-year-old in the middle rounds of drafts are getting rewarded handsomely so far, but he'll face a tougher test in his next scheduled outing versus a formidable Blue Jays lineup.