Here are the short and long-term implications of Verlander's return to Astros
PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT
02 August 2023
The Houston Astros sent shock waves through MLB on Tuesday when they traded for future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. And the addition of JV clearly is making an impact in the betting markets.
Adding Verlander immediately changed Houston's odds for this season. The Astros are now the favorites to win the American League, with only the Dodgers and Braves having better odds to win the World Series. But that's just looking at the immediate impact of the move. Another factor to consider is Houston's championship window.
That window has been extended, at least for another two or three years with Verlander under team control for the foreseeable future. However, once the Astros reach the 2026 season, it may be time for a lengthy rebuild considering the state of the farm system and contracts that are set to expire by then.
But who knows, that's a long time from now, and the Astros are looking to go all in and cement their dynasty with a third championship. Tuesday certainly was a landmark day for Astros fans, and not just because of Verlander.
Not to be upstaged, Framber Valdez went out and tossed a no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians. What a time to be an Astros fan!
Be sure to watch the video above as we examine all the implications of the trade deadline, and much more!
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Presented by Coors Light.
José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.
There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.
Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.
Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.
He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.
Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.
Key moment
The home run by Peraza.
Key stat
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
Up next
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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