### Astros Exclude Justin Verlander from Wild-Card Roster Amid Struggles

The Houston Astros have made the crucial decision to leave veteran pitcher Justin Verlander off their wild-card roster as they begin their postseason run against the Detroit Tigers. Once a linchpin of the Astros' pitching rotation and a two-time World Series champion, Verlander has faced significant challenges this season, which resulted in his exclusion.

Despite his storied career, Verlander's 2023 performance has been far from his best. Over 17 starts, he posted a career-worst 5.48 ERA, with injuries playing a significant role in his troubled season. The right-handed pitcher began the year on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. After returning to the mound, he was soon sidelined again on June 9 with a neck injury. Verlander later admitted that he rushed his comeback, culminating in a disappointing 2-4 record and an 8.10 ERA across seven starts since August 21.

Astros manager Joe Espada explained the decision, emphasizing that it was a straightforward conversation with Verlander. "It was a very easy conversation. Justin Verlander is a professional. He knows how well our starting pitchers have to perform throughout the season," Espada stated before Game 1 against the Tigers. "He'll do what's best for this team. So I appreciated his feedback and how he evaluated his season and his last few starts. True pro. He is a true pro."

The Astros only required three starters for this best-of-three series, and Verlander's current form did not justify his inclusion. Compounding the issue, the schedule was not in his favor. Having last pitched on Saturday, Verlander would not have had sufficient rest to start until Thursday, and he has not pitched on four days of rest since making his return.

Verlander's exclusion from the roster has sparked speculation about his future with the Astros. He will become a free agent after this season, as he did not meet the performance criteria needed for his option to be picked up. Reflecting on his recent performances and the challenges he faced, Verlander expressed an understanding of the situation. "I was away for two months and all these guys were pitching fantastic," Verlander said following his September 20 start against the Angels. "I needed to figure out where I was at. It's been hard; it's been a tough lesson, but I don't regret it. I want to show up for these guys, I want to be there."

While Verlander's future with the Astros remains uncertain, his commitment to the team and his career achievements ensure that his contributions will not be forgotten.