History of Justin Verlander in Timeline

Justin Verlander is a highly accomplished American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. His illustrious career includes stints with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Verlander's achievements include three Cy Young Awards, an AL MVP Award, and two World Series championships. Widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in the history of baseball, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and dominance throughout his career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1905: Comparison to Christy Mathewson's Record

In 2013 Justin Verlander surpassed Christy Mathewson's 28 scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Athletics from 1905 to 1911.

1911: Comparison to Christy Mathewson's Record

In 2013 Justin Verlander surpassed Christy Mathewson's 28 scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Athletics from 1905 to 1911.

1924: Last Season with Triple Crown Pitchers in Both Leagues

In 1924, was the last season before 2011, featuring a Triple Crown pitcher in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL).

1944: Hal Newhouser's AL MVP Award

In 1944, Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award, one of the Tigers pitchers before Justin Verlander in 2011 to win the award.

1945: Hal Newhouser's AL MVP Award

In 1945, Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award, one of the Tigers pitchers before Justin Verlander in 2011 to win the award.

1965: Comparison to Sandy Koufax

In 2013, Justin Verlander became the second pitcher in Major League history with ten or more strikeouts and no runs allowed in back-to-back postseason games, a feat previously achieved by Sandy Koufax in Games 5 and 7 of the 1965 World Series.

1968: Denny McLain's AL MVP Award

In 1968, Denny McLain won the AL MVP Award, one of the Tigers pitchers before Justin Verlander in 2011 to win the award.

1968: Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio Record

In 2016, Justin Verlander's 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio was a career-best and a Tiger record for a season, eclipsing the 4.44 mark set by Denny McLain in the 1968 season.

1970: First to Ten Strikeouts Since 1970

On April 4, 2017, Justin Verlander became the first Tigers player since Mickey Lolich in 1970 to record ten strikeouts on Opening Day.

1971: Most Strikeouts by a Tiger

In 1971, Mickey Lolich recorded 308 strikeouts, the most by a Tiger since Justin Verlander recorded 269 in 2009.

1973: Verlander Awarded AL Player of the Week

For the week of September 25 to October 1, Justin Verlander was awarded his 10th career AL Player of the Week award, becoming the fourth pitcher to win as many as 10 times since the award was established in 1973.

February 20, 1983: Justin Verlander's Birth

On February 20, 1983, Justin Brooks Verlander was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Willie Hernandez's AL MVP Award

In 1984, Willie Hernandez won the AL MVP Award, one of the Tigers pitchers before Justin Verlander in 2011 to win the award.

September 16, 1985: Mike Moore Accomplishment

On September 16, 1985, Mike Moore was the last Mariners hurler to load the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning or later and get out of it without allowing a run, before Justin Verlander repeated the feat in 2009.

1986: Tied Astros Franchise Record

In 1986, Jim Deshaies set an Astros franchise record of eight consecutive strikeouts in a game, a feat that Justin Verlander later tied.

1986: Roger Clemens' AL MVP Award

In 1986, Roger Clemens won the AL MVP Award, the last starting pitcher before Justin Verlander in 2011 to win the award.

1991: Bill Gullickson's Achievement

In 1991, Bill Gullickson was the last Tiger, before Justin Verlander in 2011, to win 20 games.

1992: Dennis Eckersley's AL MVP Award

In 1992, Dennis Eckersley won the AL MVP Award, the last pitcher before Justin Verlander in 2011 to win the award.

1998: Only Pitcher Other Than Mike Mussina in 1998

On August 21, Verlander lost to the Detroit Tigers, 2–1. He is the only pitcher other than Mike Mussina in 1998 known to have pitched a complete game loss without ever throwing a pitch with a runner on base.

2000: Lowest qualifying ERA in AL since 2000

In 2022, Justin Verlander's ERA was the lowest qualifying ERA over a non-shortened season in the American League since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 mark in 2000.

2000: Lowest WHIP since Pedro Martinez

Justin Verlander's 0.803 WHIP in 2019 was the lowest in a major league season since Pedro Martínez posted a 0.737 WHIP in 2000.

May 17, 2002: School Record 17 Strikeouts

On May 17, 2002, Justin Verlander struck out a then-school record 17 batters against James Madison.

2002: Curt Schilling's Achievement

In 2002, Curt Schilling was the last Major League pitcher, before Justin Verlander in 2011, to reach 20 wins before the end of August.

2002: CAA Rookie of the Year

In 2002, Justin Verlander was named CAA Rookie of the Year.

2002: Verlander and Cole emulate Johnson and Schilling

In 2018, Verlander and Gerrit Cole became the first teammates to strike out at least 250 batters in the same season since Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in 2002.

2002: Verlander and Cole repeat feat from 2002

In 2019, Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole became the first pair of starting pitchers to strike out 300+ hitters in the same season since Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in 2002.

2003: All-CAA Honors

In 2003, Justin Verlander earned All-CAA honors.

2003: Silver Medal at Pan American Games

In 2003, Justin Verlander helped lead the United States national team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games. That year he also set a school single-season record by recording 139 strikeouts.

2003: Single-Season Strikeout Record

In 2003, Justin Verlander set a school single-season record by recording 139 strikeouts.

2003: Verlander Wins Silver Medal at Pan American Games

In 2003, as a college sophomore, Justin Verlander pitched for the United States national baseball team and helped the team win a silver medal in the Pan American Games held in Santo Domingo.

October 25, 2004: Contract Signed

On October 25, 2004, Justin Verlander signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers.

2004: CAA Strikeout Record

In 2004, Justin Verlander broke his own record establishing a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts.

2004: ODU Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year

In 2004, Justin Verlander was named the ODU Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year.

2004: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

In 2004, the Detroit Tigers selected Justin Verlander with the second overall pick of the MLB draft. He also broke his own strikeout record establishing a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts that year.

July 4, 2005: MLB Debut

On July 4, 2005, Justin Verlander made his MLB debut.

2005: MLB Debut

In 2005, Justin Verlander made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers.

2005: Toledo Mud Hens Assignment

On May 31, 2015, Justin Verlander was sent to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens for a rehab assignment, marking his first time pitching for them, as he went straight from Double-A to the major leagues in 2005.

July 4, 2006: Multiple 100+ mph Fastballs

On July 4, 2006, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, and Fernando Rodney each threw multiple fastballs over 100 mph, marking the first time in MLB history that three pitchers on the same team had done so during a game.

2006: Pitch Count Since Rookie Season

As of 2015, Justin Verlander has thrown more pitches than any other pitcher since his rookie season in 2006, with 32,535 pitches in the regular season and 1,688 in the postseason.

2006: AL Rookie of the Year

In 2006, Justin Verlander was named AL Rookie of the Year.

2006: Lowest Strikeout Rate Since 2006

In 2014, Justin Verlander's strikeout rate remained low, with 159 strikeouts and a 6.9 K/9 IP rate, the lowest since his 2006 rookie season.

2007: First No-Hitter at Comerica Park

In 2007, Justin Verlander pitched the first no-hitter at Comerica Park.

2007: No-Hitter Against the Milwaukee Brewers

In 2007, Justin Verlander recorded a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, striking out twelve and walking four while throwing a fastball 102 mph.

August 22, 2008: Randy Johnson's 10+ Strikeout Game

On August 22, 2008, Randy Johnson, at 44 years and 347 days old, had a game with 10+ strikeouts. This is mentioned in relation to Justin Verlander achieving a similar feat at an older age later in his career.

2008: Led MLB in Losses

In 2008, Justin Verlander led MLB in losses with 17, finishing the season with an 11-17 win-loss record and a 4.84 ERA.

2008: Lowest Innings Pitched Since 2008

In 2013, Justin Verlander's 218+1⁄3 innings pitched were the lowest total since his 2008 season.

2008: End of All-Star Streak

In 2014, Justin Verlander was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008, ending a streak of five consecutive appearances.

2008: Verlander's Pitching Since 2008

Since 2008, Justin Verlander has thrown pitches of over 100+ mph in the 8th inning or later 44 times, significantly more than any other pitcher. He has also thrown the most pitches in the major leagues since the beginning of the 2008 season.

July 24, 2009: Escaped Bases Loaded, No Outs Situation

On July 24, 2009, Justin Verlander became the first Major League starter in 24 years to load the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning or later and get out of it without allowing a run.

2009: Led MLB in Strikeouts

In 2009, Justin Verlander finished the season with an MLB-leading 269 strikeouts and 19 wins.

2009: Verlander Leads League in Innings Pitched and Strikeout Champion

In 2009, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched and was the American League strikeout champion. He also led all of major league baseball in strikeouts.

2009: Strikeout Rate Comparison

In 2016, Justin Verlander's strikeout rate of 10.0 per 9 IP was the second-best of his career, trailing only the 10.1/9 rate posted in 2009.

2010: Contract Extension and Season Performance

In 2010, Justin Verlander reached a deal with the Tigers for a five-year, $80 million contract extension. He finished the season with an 18-9 record and a 3.37 ERA while fanning 219 batters in 224+1⁄3 innings.

April 22, 2011: 1,000th Career Strikeout

On April 22, 2011, Justin Verlander recorded his 1,000th career strikeout in a 9–3 win over the White Sox, becoming the 15th Tiger to do so.

2011: Verlander's 2011 MVP Campaign

In 2011, Justin Verlander had an MVP campaign where he won his first ERA title. His performance in 2022 allowed him to win another ERA title since his 2011 MVP campaign.

2011: Most Successful Season

In 2011, Justin Verlander had his most successful season, pitching his second career no-hitter and winning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young Award, the AL MVP Award, and the Sporting News Player of the Year Award.

2011: Verlander Leads League in Innings Pitched and Strikeout Champion

In 2011, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched and was the American League strikeout champion. He also led all of major league baseball in strikeouts.

2011: Awards and Recognition in 2011

In 2011, Justin Verlander received the AL Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award, Sporting News Player of the Year Award, a Players Choice Award for Player the Year and Most Outstanding American League pitcher, and a USA Today American League Cy Young. He was also named the cover athlete of Major League Baseball 2K12.

2011: AL Cy Young and MVP Awards

In 2011, Justin Verlander won both the AL Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award. He was the first pitcher to claim an AL MVP Award since Dennis Eckersley in 1992, and unanimously won the 2011 AL Cy Young Award.

2011: Won the Triple Crown of Pitching

In 2011, Justin Verlander won the Triple Crown of pitching in the AL, leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (250) and ERA (2.40).

2011: Lowest ERA Since MVP Season

Verlander posted his lowest ERA in 2018 since his American League MVP and Cy Young Award-winning 2011 season.

May 18, 2012: Complete-Game One-Hitter

On May 18, 2012, Justin Verlander took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates before giving up a one-out single in a 6–0 victory. It was his first career complete-game one-hitter.

2012: World Series Performance

During the 2012 World Series, Justin Verlander pitched in Game 1 against the San Francisco Giants, giving up five earned runs in four innings. He allowed two home runs to Pablo Sandoval, and the Tigers were eventually swept in the Series.

2012: Cy Young Award Voting

Following the 2016 season, Justin Verlander finished second in Cy Young voting, losing to Rick Porcello by five points, 132-137, in what was the second-closest vote in history (to the 2012 AL Cy Young race Verlander lost).

2012: Verlander Leads League in Innings Pitched and Strikeout Champion

In 2012, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched and was the American League strikeout champion. He also led all of major league baseball in strikeouts.

2012: AL Pennant

In 2012, Justin Verlander was a key figure in the Detroit Tigers winning the AL pennant.

2012: All-Star Selection and Season Performance

In 2012, Justin Verlander was selected for the American League All-Star team, named the starting pitcher, and joined by teammates Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera. By the All-Star break, he had a 9-5 record with a 2.58 ERA. Verlander led the AL in innings pitched (132+2⁄3), strikeouts (128) and complete games (five). He pitched one inning in the All-Star game, allowing five runs, and finished the 2012 regular season with a 17-8 record, leading the AL in innings pitched (238+1⁄3), strikeouts (239), and complete games (six), while ranking second in ERA (2.64).

2012: Parents' Book Published in 2012

In 2012, Richard and Kathy Verlander, Justin Verlander's parents, published the book "Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told," which outlines Justin's life experiences and development.

2013: ALDS Performance

During Game 2 of the 2013 ALDS, Justin Verlander struck out eleven Oakland Athletics hitters in seven shutout innings, though the Tigers lost the game 1-0 in the ninth inning. In Game 5 of the same series, Verlander pitched eight shutout innings with ten strikeouts in a 3-0 victory, taking a no-hitter into the 7th inning. This win in 2013 sent the Tigers to the American League Championship Series for the third consecutive year. Justin Verlander defeated the Athletics in Game 5 of the ALDS for the second straight season and is one of four starting pitchers in Major League history to have multiple wins in elimination postseason games, joining Bob Gibson, Chris Carpenter, and Matt Cain.

2013: Reached triple digits on the radar gun in 2013

During the 2013 season, Justin Verlander reached triple digits on the radar gun.

2013: Verlander Forms Wins for Warriors Foundation and Receives Bob Feller Act of Valor Award

In 2013, Justin Verlander formed the Wins for Warriors Foundation and donated over $1 million to the organization. He was also honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award for his work with military veterans.

2013: Verlander's Achievement in Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS

In Game 1 of the 2022 ALCS, Justin Verlander struck out a postseason record-tying six consecutive hitters, repeating an achievement of his in Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS.

2013: All-Star Selection and Inavailability

Justin Verlander was selected as a reserve pitcher for the American League All-Star team in 2013 by his manager, Jim Leyland. This marked Verlander's sixth All-Star selection, but due to him starting a game on July 14 for the Tigers, he was declared unavailable for the July 16 All-Star game. Entering the All-Star break in 2013, Verlander had a 10-6 record, 125 strikeouts, and a 3.50 ERA.

2013: Astros move to AL West in 2013

On July 24, 2020, Justin Verlander made his 12th career opening day start, earning the win. This marked the Astros' eighth straight win on Opening Day since moving to the AL West in 2013.

2013: Contract Extension

Prior to the 2013 season, Justin Verlander and the Tigers agreed to a seven-year, $180 million contract. This contract made him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history.

2013: ALCS Elimination and Postseason Stats

The Red Sox, the eventual World Series champions, eliminated the Tigers in six ALCS games in 2013. During the 2013 postseason, Justin Verlander had a 1-1 record with a 0.39 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. In two of his starts, the Tigers scored no runs.

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

On January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander underwent core muscle surgery. The Tigers initially projected that Verlander might miss Opening Day.

February 2014: Recovery from Surgery

Following his core muscle surgery on January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander recovered in time for pitchers and catchers to report to training camp in February 2014.

2014: AL Central Division Championship

In 2014, Justin Verlander was a key figure in the Detroit Tigers winning their fourth consecutive AL Central division championship.

2014: Verlander's Average Velocity in 2014

In 2014, Justin Verlander's average fastball velocity was 91.2 mph, which is used as a point of comparison to show the increase in his velocity later in his career.

2014: Velocity in 2014

In 2014, Justin Verlander's average velocity was 91.2 mph.

2014: Improved Second Half Performance

Justin Verlander showed improvement in the second half of 2014. His ERA and WHIP dropped to 4.54 and 1.398, respectively, and he finished with a 15-12 record. In 2014, his strikeout rate remained low, with 159 strikeouts and a 6.9 K/9 IP rate, the lowest since his 2006 rookie season.

2014: Struggles in the First Half

Justin Verlander struggled in the first half of 2014. His strikeouts decreased to 6.8 per nine innings pitched, compared to an average of 9.2 over the previous five years. His ERA and WHIP in the first half of the 2014 season were also elevated to 4.71 and 1.49, respectively. He was not selected for the AL All-Star team.

2015: Verlander's Average Velocity in 2015

In 2015, Justin Verlander's average fastball velocity was 92.3 mph, which is used as a point of comparison to show the increase in his velocity later in his career.

2015: Velocity in 2015

In 2015, Justin Verlander's average velocity was 92.3 mph.

2015: Disabled List Placement

Justin Verlander started the 2015 season on the disabled list due to a right triceps strain, ending his streak of seven consecutive Opening Day starts for the Tigers. It was his first time on the DL in his major league career, following 298 starts and 1,978 innings pitched.

2015: Near No-Hitter and Season Stats

On August 26, 2015, Justin Verlander came within three outs of his third career no-hitter before allowing a double to Chris Iannetta. He finished the game with one hit, two walks, and nine strikeouts in a 5-0 victory. Verlander finished the 2015 season with a 5-8 record in 20 starts, a 3.38 ERA, and a 1.088 WHIP. His walk rate dropped to 2.2 while his strikeout rate inched back up to 7.6.

2016: Verlander named American League strikeout champion

In 2016, Justin Verlander was named the American League strikeout champion.

2016: Season Performance

Justin Verlander finished the 2016 season with a 16-9 record and led the American League with 254 strikeouts. His 1.00 WHIP also ranked first in the AL, and his 3.04 ERA ranked second. Verlander's 2016 strikeout rate of 10.0 per 9 IP was the second-best of his career, and his 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio was a career-best and a Tiger record for a season.

2016: American League Pitcher of the Month

Justin Verlander was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July 2016. He had a 4-0 record with a 1.69 ERA in six starts, holding opposing hitters to a .171 average and striking out 48 batters in 42+2⁄3 innings.

2016: Strikeout Milestones and All-Star Break Performance

On May 8, 2016, Justin Verlander recorded his 1,981st strikeout as a Tiger, surpassing Jack Morris. On May 18, he recorded his 2,000th career strikeout. Verlander entered the 2016 All-Star break with an 8-6 record, 4.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts in 117+1⁄3 innings.

April 4, 2017: Opening Day Strikeout Record

On April 4, 2017, in a win against the Chicago White Sox, Justin Verlander tied a franchise record for the most strikeouts on Opening Day with ten.

November 4, 2017: Verlander Marries Kate Upton

On November 4, 2017, Justin Verlander married model-actress Kate Upton in Tuscany, Italy, two days after winning the World Series with the Astros.

2017: Verlander's Velocity Soared Back Up in 2017

After injury-prone seasons, Justin Verlander's velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 mph in his 2017 campaign, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

2017: World Series Champion and AL Championship Series MVP

In 2017, Justin Verlander was named AL Championship Series MVP and was co-winner of the Babe Ruth Award as the Houston Astros won the 2017 World Series.

2017: Trade to the Houston Astros and regular season performance

In 2017, Justin Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros just before the waiver trade deadline on August 31. In his Astros debut on September 5, 2017, he won against the Seattle Mariners, allowing one run and striking out seven. He also won the AL West division-clinching game on September 17, 2017. Verlander finished the 2017 regular season with a 15–8 record, a 3.36 ERA, and 219 strikeouts.

2017: Velocity increase in 2017

In 2017, Justin Verlander's fastball velocity increased to an average of 95.3 mph, a significant increase from previous years. He also reached triple digits on the radar gun for the first time since 2013 during the 2017 season.

2017: Astros break strikeout record in 2017

In 2017, Verlander helped set a new Major League record for the Astros with their 1,069th strikeout by their starters in a season, breaking the mark set by the Cleveland Indians.

2017: Babe Ruth Award and Postseason Performance

In the 2017 postseason, Justin Verlander made six appearances, starting five games, and achieving a 4–1 record. He had a 2.21 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Along with Jose Altuve, Verlander was named co-MVP and winner of the Babe Ruth Award for the 2017 postseason.

2017: Postseason Berth in a Verlander Start Since 2017 Trade

Since Justin Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros in 2017, the Astros have clinched a postseason berth four times in a Verlander start.

March 5, 2018: Named Opening Day Starter

On March 5, 2018, Justin Verlander was named the opening day starter for the Astros, marking his 10th career opening day start and first with Houston.

July 14, 2018: Verlander and Upton Announce Pregnancy

On July 14, 2018, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton announced that they were expecting their first child, a daughter.

2018: AL Leader in Multiple Categories and AL Pitcher of the Month

By 2018, 12 games into the season, Justin Verlander led the AL in 17 different categories. He was named AL Pitcher of the Month for May 2018, producing a 0.86 ERA and striking out 50 over 41+2⁄3 innings. He dominated the Yankees in two starts, allowing only one run and striking out 20.

2018: 200th Career Win

In 2018, Justin Verlander earned his 200th career win.

2018: Dominant start to the 2018 season

In 2018, Justin Verlander had a dominant start to the season, leading the Astros rotation. In April 2018, he went 4–0 with a 1.36 ERA and 48 strikeouts. He was named the AL Player of the Week on April 17 after striking out 20 in 15 innings.

2018: Recovery from Core Surgery

In 2018, Justin Verlander mentioned that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery he underwent during the 2014 season, which contributed to his production being inferior to his career norms.

2018: Verlander named American League strikeout champion

In 2018, Justin Verlander was named the American League strikeout champion.

2018: Career-high Strikeouts and Season Performance in 2018

Justin Verlander finished the 2018 season with a 16–9 record, a 2.52 ERA, and a career-high 290 strikeouts. He led the AL in strikeouts and had the lowest ERA since 2011. He also led the major leagues with a 0.902 WHIP and a 7.84 strikeouts-to-walks ratio.

2018: Cy Young Award Runner-Up Finish

On November 14, 2018, Justin Verlander finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting to Blake Snell. This was Verlander's third Cy Young runner-up finish and sixth time finishing in the top five.

March 24, 2019: Contract Extension with the Astros

On March 24, 2019, Justin Verlander and the Astros agreed on a two-year, $66 million contract extension to keep Verlander with Houston through the 2021 season.

November 12, 2019: Second Cy Young Award

On November 12, 2019, Justin Verlander won his second Cy Young Award, receiving 171 points and 17 of 30 first-place votes.

2019: Postseason Record

During game 2 of the 2019 World Series, Justin Verlander recorded the 200th postseason strikeout of his career, setting a new major league record. He also became the first pitcher in major league history to lose his first five World Series decisions.

2019: Third No-Hitter and Second Cy Young Award

In 2019, Justin Verlander became the sixth pitcher in MLB history to throw three career no-hitters. He also had his first career 300-strikeout season and won his second Cy Young award.

2019: Verlander Leads League in Innings Pitched

In 2019, Justin Verlander led the league in innings pitched.

2019: Vesting Option Qualification

In 2019, Justin Verlander's contract included a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finished in the top five in Cy Young Award voting.

2019: Performance Stats in 2019

Justin Verlander finished the 2019 season with a 21–6 record, 300 strikeouts, and a 2.58 ERA. He led MLB in innings pitched, games started, and wins. His 0.803 WHIP was the lowest since 2000.

2019: 3,000th career strikeout

On September 28, 2019, Justin Verlander recorded his 3,000th career strikeout in his final start of the regular season, becoming the 18th pitcher in history to reach this milestone. He also recorded his 300th strikeout of the season.

March 17, 2020: Groin Surgery in 2020

On March 17, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin, requiring six weeks to recover. This coincided with the season delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 24, 2020: 12th Career Opening Day Start

On July 24, 2020, Justin Verlander made his 12th career opening day start, earning the win. This marked the Astros' eighth straight win on Opening Day since moving to the AL West in 2013.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down with Forearm Strain

On July 26, 2020, Justin Verlander was shut down with a forearm strain.

September 30, 2020: Tommy John Surgery

Justin Verlander confirmed he would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the 2020 season and all of 2021. He underwent the surgery on September 30, 2020.

2020: First Time Since Opening Day 2020

Having not recorded a statistic in 2021, Verlander made his way back on April 9, 2022, against the Los Angeles Angels, for the first time since Opening Day 2020.

2020: Vesting Option Year

Justin Verlander had a $22 million vesting option for the 2020 season dependent on his Cy Young Award voting in 2019.

2020: Injury

Justin Verlander missed most of the 2020 season due to injury.

February 27, 2021: Placed on 60-Day Injured List

On February 27, 2021, the Astros placed Justin Verlander on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2021 season.

December 13, 2021: Signs One-Year Contract with Astros

On December 13, 2021, Justin Verlander signed a one-year contract with the Astros, including an option for a second season.

2021: Missed 2021

Having not recorded a statistic in 2021, Verlander made his way back on April 9, 2022, against the Los Angeles Angels, for the first time since Opening Day 2020.

2021: Expected to Miss 2021 Season

In 2020, it was announced that Justin Verlander would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the 2020 season and all of the 2021 season, keeping him sidelined through the end of his contract extension with the Astros.

2021: Contract Extension through 2021

On March 24, 2019, Justin Verlander agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Houston Astros to keep him with the team through the 2021 season.

April 9, 2022: Return to Baseball

On April 9, 2022, Justin Verlander made his return to baseball against the Los Angeles Angels, for the first time since Opening Day 2020. He struck out seven and allowed one run over five innings.

August 23, 2022: Verlander Throws Six Hitless Innings Against Twins

On August 23, 2022, Justin Verlander pitched six hitless innings and recorded ten strikeouts in a victory against the Minnesota Twins. With this performance, Verlander surpassed Pedro Martínez on the all-time strikeout list and reclaimed the lead as the active career leader in strikeouts.

December 7, 2022: Verlander Signs with New York Mets

On December 7, 2022, Justin Verlander signed a two-year contract for $86.7 million with the New York Mets, including a vesting option for 2025. The average annual value matched the MLB record previously set by Max Scherzer.

December 2022: Signed with the Mets

In December 2022, Justin Verlander signed with the New York Mets.

2022: Verlander Concludes 2022 Season

In 2022, Justin Verlander finished the season with an 18–4 record, a 1.75 ERA, and 185 strikeouts. He led the Major Leagues in ERA, WHIP, and BAA, and the American League in wins. Verlander also won his first ERA title since 2011 and set a career-best ERA.

2022: Verlander's Performance in 2022 ALCS and World Series

In Game 1 of the 2022 ALCS, Justin Verlander struck out eleven batters. He allowed five earned runs in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series but earned his first career World Series win in Game 5. The Astros defeated the Phillies, securing Verlander's second World Series ring.

2022: Ryan Pressly ties franchise record in 2022

On September 1, in a road game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Verlander threw his third career no-hitter. Teammate Ryan Pressly tied Verlander's Astros franchise record in 2022 for consecutive batters retired in a row, at 32.

March 30, 2023: Verlander Placed on Injured List

On March 30, 2023, the New York Mets announced that Justin Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a low-grade teres major strain, retroactive to March 28.

August 1, 2023: Verlander Traded Back to Houston Astros

On August 1, 2023, the New York Mets traded Justin Verlander back to the Houston Astros for prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, along with cash considerations.

August 2023: Traded back to the Astros

In August 2023, Justin Verlander was traded back to the Houston Astros.

2023: Verlander's 2023 Debut and Victory Over All 30 Teams

In 2023, Justin Verlander was activated from the injured list by the Mets and made his debut against the Detroit Tigers. On May 10, Verlander struck out seven hitters and secured a victory against the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the 21st pitcher in MLB history to defeat all 30 teams.

2023: Verlander Player Option for the 2023 Season

On August 4, Verlander reached 130 innings to actuate the player option for the 2023 season.

May 25, 2024: Verlander Passes Greg Maddux on All-Time Strikeout List

On May 25, 2024, Justin Verlander passed Greg Maddux for 10th on the all-time strikeout list, recording his 3,372nd career strikeout in a victory against the Oakland Athletics. This win was also the 260th of Verlander's career, the most of any pitcher who debuted in the 21st century.

2024: Verlander's 2024 Season Debut and Strikeout Milestone

Justin Verlander began the 2024 season on the injured list and made his debut on April 19, pitching six innings in a win against the Washington Nationals. During the game, Verlander passed Phil Niekro for 12th place on the all-time strikeout list.