After being charged with six runs over 4 2/3 innings in yesterday’s start against the Angels, Justin Verlander now has an ugly 8.89 ERA in six starts and 27 1/3 frames since his return from the injured list. The veteran missed close to two and a half months due to an unspecified neck issue, but Verlander told reporters (including the Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara) yesterday that “I did have doctors say it’d probably take a little longer” to fully recover. “I think I came back from the neck injury a little fast. Obviously, I know the schedule, I know the calendar. I want to be an asset for this team. And to do that, I needed to be able to pitch and find out where I’m at. Obviously, the results have not been good. But there’s nothing you can do besides trying to pitch.”
Verlander described the process of trying to get fully right in the aftermath of this injury as the most difficult of his career, “because sometimes it’s just one thing that makes it click.” With just one regular-season start left before the playoffs, Verlander acknowledged that he might not be part of the Astros’ postseason rotation. While “it’s not my decision” to make, Verlander noted that “I was away for two months and all these guys were pitching fantastic. Seen a bunch of guys really come into their own.”
More from around the AL West…
- Kirby Yates will be 38 on Opening Day 2025, and the veteran reliever told Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News that “I’ve got two more years that I could probably pitch at an effective level.” Whether or not this translates to a two-year deal remains to be seen this winter, but Yates has certainly helped his case with a very impressive season as the Rangers’ closer. A return to Texas would be welcomed, as Yates said “I hope those talks happen. I’ve enjoyed it here, I think it’s a great fit, my family’s liked it here, it’s an easy transition for me. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn’t, I’ll always be thankful for the Rangers organization, Rangers fans and everybody that’s treated me the way they have.” Staying with Texas would check off a couple of important boxes on Yates’ offseason wish list, as he noted that he’d ideally like to pitch near his home and family in Arizona, as well as relatively close to his extended family in his native Hawaii. Yates has an 1.23 ERA and 31 saves over 58 2/3 innings for the Rangers this season, more than delivering on the one-year, $4.5MM contract he signed last offseason.
- The Angels activated Kevin Pillar from the 10-day injured list yesterday, and optioned infielder Charles Leblanc to Triple-A in the corresponding move. Pillar had been out of action since September 6 due to a left thumb sprain, and will now return for what will probably be the final games of his 12-year Major League career. Pillar marked his activation with his eighth homer of the season in Friday’s 9-7 loss to the Astros, and the veteran is hitting .242/.300/.402 over 291 combined PA with the White Sox and Angels.
Huh, so it turns out that Verlander is human after all.
I wonder if he can get $15 million guaranteed next year.
Blows my mind that the Angels didn’t DFA or trade Pillar to have a chance at one more postseason run, unless it was his decision. It’s hard to believe nobody would’ve wanted him for a platoon role or backup OF
There was an article where Pillar pretty much said he wanted to remain with the Angels. If I remember correctly, he had an understanding with Perry that he’d remain with the Angels unless they received an offer they couldn’t pass up.
I read the same article.
That’s exactly the type of competitor that Minazian signs too! “You wanna join a contender to end your career on a high note?” *Nah I’d rather kick it here in last place where no one bothers me.”
What makes you think he’s done? He’s 36. Would not be surprised if he inked a one year deal with Angels or Rangers.
I think it’s fine if player enjoys a place. It’s like a normal person staying at a job they like rather than leaving for more money somewhere else.
Devo
How do you even know
1 – If anyone even made any sort of offer for Pillar?
or
2- If there was an offer, who was it? Was if someone like Boston or St Louis ? I doubt the Dodgers/ Yankees/ Orioles/ Phillies even asked, let alone made an offer.
Nice job “bashing” without ever know the true facts behind it.
I’m no fan of Minasian, but this has nothing directly to do with Minasian. The only reason he’d sign with the Angels is he wants playing time.
A good player is going to get ABs and go to a contender. That kind of player ain’t coming to the Angels.
In addition
At the time Pillar signed, it was thought Trout was going to only be out a brief amount of time. So i wasn’t as if he signed
” to kick it” .
As everyone knows, I’m no fan of Minasian, but I’d lose credibility if I blamed him for every little thing.
Pillar signed here to play.
@orange2001 thanks for the info! Didn’t see that article
You’re correct, he did say he wanted to stay. He’s from SoCal originally and his wife/kids had moved back there before the start of the season. Don’t blame the guy for wanting to stay close to home during his last few months of his career.
I wonder if Verlander would be better as a closer. One inning every other day.
I never understood why ATL let Yates go over 4 mil. He was quite good at times last year and was once about the best in the business.
The Angels golden years where when there were only 4 teams in the West! After the Astros joined it’s all been downhill ever since. Before that The Whites Sox, Twins, A’s were better.
Imagine if only the Angels had the two best players in baseball for 6 years…
I have no idea if Verlander is done or just beat up, but if he wants to play next year, I see Crane paying unless the price tag is silly. It’s largely about the HOF. The idea that Verlander has to go in as a Tiger is nostalgic, but if he cracks 300 wins as an Astro, he might go in as an Astro.