Astros Game 1 starter Justin Verlander likely won’t take the mound in Wednesday’s Game 4 at Target Field, according to Houston manager Dusty Baker.
Verlander was lights out for the Astros in Game 1, pitching six scoreless innings while striking out six batters in Houston’s 6-4 win Saturday. Verlander holds a career 17-11 playoff record with a 3.54 ERA.
Bailey Ober last just three innings, allowing three earned runs off four hits in Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series.
Minnesota evened the series with a 6-2 win Sunday, running off Astros starter Framber Valdez after just 4.1 innings, touching him for five earned runs on seven hits and three walks.
Neither Houston nor Minnesota have announced Game 4 starters. Kenta Maeda pitched two innings in Saturday’s Game 1 and he could be an option for the Twins Wednesday, otherwise Joe Ryan could take the mound for Minnesota. Ryan had an 11-10 record this season with a 4.51 ERA.
Sonny Gray and Cristian Javier have been announced as the starting pitchers in Tuesday’s Game 3 in Minneapolis.
Significant for the Twins: Houston manager Dusty Baker just said the Astros likely won't use Justin Verlander on short rest for Game 4.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) October 9, 2023
