Challenges in the Life of Justin Verlander in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Justin Verlander faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Justin Verlander is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. He previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. He is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and an AL MVP, widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest pitchers.

Sections (5)

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

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.

2012: Cy Young Award Runner-Up

Following the 2016 season, Justin Verlander was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, ultimately finishing second in voting to Rick Porcello. The vote was the second-closest in history (to the 2012 AL Cy Young race Verlander lost).

2012: World Series Game 1

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

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

On January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander underwent core muscle surgery. The Tigers projected that Verlander might miss Opening Day but he eventually recovered in time for training camp in February 2014.

2014: First Half Struggles

During the first half of 2014, Justin Verlander experienced struggles with reduced strikeouts, and elevated ERA and WHIP. He was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008.

2014: Second Half Improvement

In 2014, Justin Verlander improved in the second half, lowering his ERA and WHIP. He finished the season with a 15–12 record. He mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery during the 2014 season, contributing to production inferior to his career norms.

2015: Disabled List Placement

In 2015, Justin Verlander started the season on the disabled list due to a right triceps strain, ending his streak of seven consecutive Opening Day starts for the Tigers. This marked the first time Verlander had been placed on the DL in his major league career.

2018: Core Surgery Recovery

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

March 17, 2020: Underwent Groin Surgery

On March 17, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin, which required six weeks of recovery. This occurred around the same time as the season delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down with Forearm Strain

On July 26, 2020, it was reported that Justin Verlander would be shut down due to a forearm strain.

September 30, 2020: Underwent Tommy John Surgery

On September 30, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery. He confirmed this news on September 19th via his Instagram account, stating that he would miss the remainder of the 2020 season and all of the 2021 season.

2020: Arm Injury and Tommy John Surgery

In 2020, Justin Verlander suffered an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for 2020 and 2021.

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

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