Justin Verlander reveals how he’s lasted this long without cheating

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander revealed what has factored into him having a lengthy career.

The Houston Astros are in the World Series for the fourth time in six years after they swept the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. They are now set to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, beginning on Friday, Oct. 28.

One of the reasons why the Astros made it to this point was the dominant pitching of Justin Verlander, who may very well be the winner of the AL Cy Young award this season. While he did have a rough showing in the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners, he had a strong performance in Game 1 of the ALCS.

Ahead of the World Series, Verlander was asked about what has contributed to himself having a lengthy career, to which he responded with “I don’t cheat,” saying that “the best, natural way to do it is sleep.”

Justin Verlander credits sleep for his lengthy career

“I really focus on sleep, I have my entire career, because I’ve always felt like that’s the best natural way for your body to recover” said Verlander. “The best natural way to do it is sleep, so I’ve always made that a priority…”

In the regular season, Verlander led the American League with 18 wins, a 1.75 ERA, a 220 ERA+, and a 0.829 WHIP.

Verlander had a rough start against the Mariners, where he was pulled after four innings when he surrendered six earned runs on 10 hits. Yet, the Astros overcame a 7-3 deficit to win 8-7 following a walk-off three-run homer by Yordan Alvarez.

In Game 1 of the ALCS, Verlander had a great performance, striking out 11 Yankees batters, allowing three hits, and one solo home run.

Verlander was named the Game 1 starter for Houston on Friday night, and he is now the second pitcher in MLB history to start a World Series game in three different decades. The only other pitcher to do so was Roger Clemens.

The Astros and Verlander will look to gain their second World Series title.