Justin Verlander

Verlander went six innings and allowed two runs in his season debut Friday night against the Nationals.

After two rehab starts, the Houston ace will make his season debut Friday. He rejoins a depleted Astros rotation that has a 5.13 ERA.

Even with Justin Verlander close to rejoining the major league rotation, the Astros must find a way to fill innings.

Verlander could make his 2024 debut as early as April 17 against the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park.

There are no active players with 500 homers, or 3,000 hits, or 300 wins. They're not just numbers. How long will it take to fill this void?

Presuming Verlander is placed on the injured list on March 28, the earliest he would be eligible to return is April 11.

"We’re not even looking a week out or two weeks out, so it’s kind of hard to forecast anything past that,” says the 41-year-old righty.

Despite Houston's 2-0 loss in Game 1, Verlander held baseball’s best-remaining offense to its worst offensive night. 

No more Silver Boots to award. The Rangers and Astros now have a heated, chippy rivalry — and a best-of-seven to crown a pennant winner.

The opening loss was frustrating, but the Twins still have a chance to take control of the series — if they can hit a good lefty.

If things go the Astros' way Sunday, Houston could secure the American League West title and a first-round bye it could desperately use.

Verlander started and won the first game in a series that will determine the Astros season.

The Astros' loss Tuesday puts the Rangers one game behind first place. Seattle is 1 1/2 games back and owns the tiebreaker over Houston.

Never before had they faced each other. Not since 2015 had two 200-game winners squared off. But fans were not treated to a pitchers' duel.

After losing Jose Altuve to injury, Houston’s offense failed to mount anything resembling a rally.

Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker sometimes hit barehanded. Then MLB's pitch clock encroached on his routine, so he switched to batting gloves.

Verlander didn't have his best stuff, but it felt "oddly familiar" pitching for the Astros again. He allowed two runs over seven innings.

Verlander returned to the Astros, who are fighting for a chance at another championship now and next season, unlike the revamped Mets.