What's really behind NY media smearing Astros ace out the door
SOUR GRAPES
16 August 2023
SOUR GRAPES
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!
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Jose Altuve's 40th four-hit game included a pair of home runs and the Houston Astros rolled to an 11-1 win on Tuesday night that dealt the Athletics their 12th loss in 13 games.
Altuve singled on the first inning, homered leading off a three-run third and hit a two-run drive in the fourth, getting his 13th career multihomer game with his eighth home run this season. He singled the sixth ahead of Christian Walker’s homer.
Altuve, who matched his career high for hits, was pinch hit for in the eighth.
Jeremy Pena’s two-run home run capped a four-run second inning.
The A's have been outscored 100-41 during their skid, which they ended with a 5-4 win over Philadelphia on Sunday.
Hunter Brown (7-3) allowed one run and six hits in six innings, including Lawrence Butler's leadoff homer in the fourth.
JP Sears (4-5) gave up nine runs and 10 hits, both career highs, in 3 1/3 innings. He has allowed seven homers, 15 runs and 17 hits over 8 1/3 innings in his last two starts, raising his ERA to 5.18.
Before the game the A's made four roster moves, putting 22-year-old first baseman Nick Kurtz on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Sunday. They A's acquired left-hander Sean Newcomb from Boston for cash.
When left fielder Tyler Soderstrom couldn't come up with a diving catch on a liner from Chas McCormick with two outs in the second, Yainer Diaz scored from first. Mauricio Dubón followed with an RBI double and Peña homered.
Denzel Clarke and Drew Avens got their first major league hits for the A's.
A's RHP Luis Severino (1-4, 4.11 ERA) and Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (0-1, 6.57 ERA) start Wednesday.