Well, lemme tell ya about Justin Verlander, that ol’ pitcher fella who’s been throwin’ balls for ages. Now, I may not know all the fancy baseball stuff, but this man’s been around, pitchin’ like a strong old bull, even when he’s gettin’ up there in age. Folks say he’s 41 now, but don’t let that number fool ya. He still wants to get out there and pitch. Seems like he’s got a fire burnin’ in him that won’t quit, and I reckon he’s not packin’ it up anytime soon!
Back with the Astros, again
Justin had left the Houston Astros, y’see, and folks thought maybe that was the end of it. But nope! He came back like a trusty ol’ boomerang. Left in early 2023, and then found his way right back. By 2024, he was startin’ games for the Astros like nothin’ ever changed. Made 17 starts, they say, and even if all them games didn’t go his way, he’s still got the heart for it.
He ain’t on top like he once was, that’s the truth. He had his struggles this year, especially with keepin’ control of them pitches. They say his command was gettin’ wobbly, leavin’ him in long, draggy count situations. Now, I may not know all the terms, but it sounds like he was throwin’ a bit more than he planned.
Injuries can’t keep him down
This fella didn’t have it easy neither. Justin was sittin’ out for nearly two months ‘cause of a neck injury over the summer. Musta been tough for him, watchin’ games from the sidelines, seein’ them young players out there, and him itchin’ to get back on that mound. He did get back, but you could see he wasn’t pitchin’ like the old days. Heck, he even said it himself—he probably shoulda taken more time to rest up. But y’know how it is with folks who got somethin’ to prove; he just went back out there, tough as nails.
Astros keepin’ him off the playoff roster
Now here’s somethin’ that raised a few eyebrows. When the Astros went to the playoffs, guess who wasn’t on that roster? That’s right, Verlander. They left him off, which, if ya ask me, is kinda surprisin’ for a man with his track record. But maybe it was for the best, considerin’ how rough the season had been for him.
Verlander didn’t let that knock him down, though. He even told the reporters after the season ended that he still wants to pitch. Said he’s got more left in him. Said he’s not lookin’ to retire yet, no sir. He’s already lookin’ at 2025, talkin’ about how he’s still got some fire and wants to be on that mound, throwin’ heat. That’s the kinda spirit folks remember, y’know?
What’s next for ol’ Verlander?
Well, we’ll just have to see what happens next season, won’t we? Seems like the Astros got some decisions to make too, what with Alex Bregman and other big players headin’ into the offseason. They’re gonna be busy figurin’ things out. As for Justin, I reckon he’ll be trainin’ and restin’ that neck, gettin’ himself ready for another chance. He’s been through rough seasons before, and he’s still here, standin’ strong.
Guess that’s all I can tell ya for now. But remember, sometimes these ol’ fellas, they surprise ya. Justin Verlander’s one of them who just might go on longer than we expect.
Tags：[Justin Verlander, Houston Astros, MLB News, Baseball
