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 highly decorated American professional baseball pitcher, currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. He previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers ever, Verlander is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and an American League MVP. His career is marked by sustained excellence and significant achievements in Major League Baseball.

Sections (5)

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

2006: Lowest Strikeout Rate Since Rookie Season

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

2008: Led MLB in Losses

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

2008: Previous Shortest Outing

On August 11, 2014 Justin Verlander experienced the shortest outing of his career due to right shoulder soreness. His previous shortest outing was 1+1⁄3 innings in 2008.

2012: Cy Young Award Voting Loss

Following the 2016 season, Justin Verlander was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, but finished second in the voting, losing to Rick Porcello by a narrow margin. It was the second-closest vote in history, similar to the 2012 AL Cy Young race that Verlander also lost. Verlander received more first-place votes than Porcello but was left off two ballots.

2012: World Series Performance Against San Francisco Giants

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

2013: 2013 Postseason Performance and Elimination

In the 2013 postseason, the eventual World Series champion Red Sox eliminated the Tigers in six ALCS games. Justin Verlander had a 1–1 record with a 0.39 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23 postseason innings, with two of his starts resulting in no runs scored by the Tigers' offense.

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

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

2014: Struggles in the First Half of 2014

In the first half of 2014, Justin Verlander experienced a decline in performance, with reduced strikeouts and elevated ERA and WHIP. He was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008, ending a streak of five consecutive appearances.

2014: Improved Performance in the Second Half of 2014

In the second half of 2014, Justin Verlander improved his performance, lowering his season ERA and WHIP, and winning his final three decisions to finish with a 15–12 record. However, his strikeout rate remained low. In 2018, he mentioned that he had not fully recovered from core surgery during the 2014 season, which impacted his production.

2015: Disabled List Placement and Opening Day Start Streak Ends

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. It was the first time he had been placed on the DL in his major league career, following 298 career starts and 1,978 innings pitched. Since his rookie season in 2006, Verlander had thrown more pitches than any other pitcher.

2018: Recovery from Surgery in 2014

In 2018, Justin Verlander mentioned that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery he had in 2014, which he said contributed 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, requiring six weeks of recovery. This occurred around the same time the baseball season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down Due to Forearm Strain

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

September 30, 2020: Underwent Tommy John Surgery

On September 30, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to 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.

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

2021: Sidelined due to Arm Injury

In 2021, Justin Verlander was sidelined due to an arm injury.

March 30, 2023: Verlander Placed on Injured List

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