ALCS preview: 3 things to watch for in Astros-Yankees series
By Kevin Henry
2. Will Justin Verlander rebound?
The 39-year-old AL Cy Young Award favorite is slated to take the mound on Wednesday against the Yankees, and he’s coming off a rough outing against the Mariners in the ALDS.
Against Seattle in Game 1, the Mariners chased Verlander after just 4.0 innings. In that span of 81 pitches, he surrendered 10 hits and six runs (all earned) while walking one and logging three strikeouts.
“They had a good approach. There’s familiarity here. Obviously, I could make some better pitches, but you have to tip your cap to them. They hit some good pitches. Obviously I have to do better next time out, but here with a win and I couldn’t be happier,” Verlander said after the game.
The “next time out” will come on Wednesday against the Yankees, a team he faced on June 24 in the Bronx and earned the win, throwing 7.0 innings while allowing four hits and one run (a Giancarlo Stanton sixth-inning homer).
Verlander won’t have to wait long for his postseason redemption, but can he turn the page against New York and continue his incredible season? How he attacks the Yankees early, and how aggressive they are at the plate against him, will be something to watch in the early stages of Game 1.