What's really behind NY media smearing Astros ace out the door
SOUR GRAPES
16 August 2023
The New York Post published a piece recently about Justin Verlander's time with the New York Mets. The article had some quotes from an anonymous source saying some felt that Verlander acted like a “diva” and wasn't making a big enough effort to be part of the team.
It was also reported that JV felt like the Mets' analytics department, wasn't quite on the same level as the Astros. (Sounds like Verlander was just telling the truth).
The article also suggested that there was some occasional “discord” between Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. But with nobody willing to put their name on any of these quotes, it sure sounds like sour grapes from the NY media with Justin heading back to Houston.
Verlander addressed the report on social media a few days later, taking the high road:
pic.twitter.com/hhD8mN9vOk
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) August 14, 2023
So what should we read into this report? If there is any beef between JV and Scherzer, it should be a fun rivalry to watch with the Rangers and Astros competing down the stretch for the AL West crown.
Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion!
Catchour Astros podcast Stone Cold 'Stros every Monday on YouTube!
And listen to ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM for Houston's best sports talk.
Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and Jeremy Peña homered and drove in four runs as the Houston Astros defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 9-1 on Wednesday.
Houston earned just its second victory in seven games to snap Milwaukee’s three-game winning streak and leave both teams with .500 records. The Brewers were attempting to sweep a series from the Astros for the first time since 2012.
The Astros led 3-1 before Peña broke the game open by delivering a three-run homer to left off reliever Elvin Rodriguez with two outs in the sixth inning.
JP3-run bomb. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/En0XXWdlt0
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Valdez (2-4) struck out seven while allowing three hits, two walks and one run to earn his first win since the Astros’ March 27 season opener. He threw a season-high 101 pitches.
The Framchise is all business.#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/J8EGGDk5gl
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Milwaukee’s only run off Valdez came on Eric Haase’s fifth-inning homer, a 425-foot drive to center.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead off Quinn Priester (1-1) in the second inning as Jake Meyers hit a two-out single and scored on Zach Dezenzo’s double.
RBI double for Zach gets us on the board early! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/AilCY27A9d
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The Brewers have lost all 13 games this season in which their opponent scored first.
Five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader worked the ninth while pitching in Milwaukee for the first time since the Brewers traded him in 2022.
Key moment
The Astros led 1-0 and had runners on third and second with one out in the fifth when Peña hit a bouncer to third.
Safe all day. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/OVjcvev7cM
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The throw home beat Dezenzo to the plate. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy initially ruled Dezenzo out, but the Astros challenged the call and replays showed the runner slid home ahead of Haase’s tag.
Key stat
Valdez has now pitched at least seven innings an MLB-leading 57 times since 2020.
Up next
The Astros host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Scheduled pitchers are right-hander Hunter Brown (5-1, 1.67) for the Astros and right-hander Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.19) for the Reds.
The Brewers visit the Tampa Bay Ray on Friday. Left-hander José Quintana (4-1, 2.83) will pitch for the Brewers.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
