The Houston Astros entered the final week of the regular season without having clinched a playoff berth of any kind. They not only earned a playoff spot, but ended up winning the AL West after all. Who other than Justin Verlander to help secure the crown?
Verlander was named American League Player of the Week for September 25th-October 1st. His first start came on Tuesday in Seattle. Eight innings, three hits, one run, and eight strikeouts later, he had helped the Astros secure a huge victory in their playoff quest.
Then, on Saturday he delivered five shutout innings with five strikeouts in a win that kept the Astros’ chances of winning the AL West alive. Houston would go on to win the division the next day due to a win coupled with a Rangers loss to the Mariners.
For the week, Verlander had a 0.69 ERA in two victories. It is the 10th time Verlander has won the award in his career and the fifth time an Astro has taken it home this season.
The Astros will begin their playoff run on Saturday inside Minute Maid Park, where they will face the winner of the series featuring the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays.