Verlander reflects on rushing back from neck injury after tough start

Justin Verlander, the 41-year-old right-hander for the Houston Astros, has faced significant challenges since returning from a neck injury that sidelined him for nearly two months. After his latest outing on a Friday night, where he allowed eight hits and six runs in just 4 2/3 innings during a 9-7 victory over the Angels, Verlander expressed regret about his premature return to the mound. He acknowledged that he should have taken more time to recover fully before rejoining the team. Since coming back on August 21, Verlander has struggled, winning only one of his six starts and failing to pitch beyond five innings in any of those games. His performance has raised concerns about his potential exclusion from the playoff roster, as the Astros aim to secure their position in the postseason. Despite his difficulties, Verlander remains determined to contribute to the team's success. Verlander reflected on the support he received from fans during his last home start of the regular season, noting their understanding of his efforts to overcome his struggles. He emphasized the importance of being an asset to the team and acknowledged the pressure of the approaching playoffs. Verlander has a record of 4-6 with a 5.55 ERA in 16 starts this season, marking one of the toughest stretches in his career. As he continues to work through these challenges, Verlander remains hopeful about improving his performance. He recognizes the need for consistency and is focused on finding a way to regain his form as the postseason approaches, despite the difficulties he has faced since his return from injury.