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. Widely regarded as one of baseball's all-time greats, he previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Verlander's distinguished career includes three Cy Young Awards and an American League MVP Award, solidifying his place as an iconic figure in the sport.

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.

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, snapping a streak of five straight appearances.

2012: Cy Young Award Runner-Up

Following the 2016 season, Justin Verlander was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award. He finished second in the voting to Rick Porcello by a narrow margin, receiving 14 first-place votes but being left off two ballots. This was the second-closest vote in history, compared to the 2012 AL Cy Young race Verlander lost.

2012: World Series Game 1 Performance

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.

2013: ALCS Elimination and Postseason Stats

In 2013, the Boston Red Sox eliminated the Tigers in six ALCS games. 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 did not score any runs.

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 as a result of the surgery.

2014: First Half Struggles

In the first half of 2014, Justin Verlander struggled, with his strikeouts decreasing to 6.8 per nine innings, compared to an average of 9.2 over the previous five years. His ERA and WHIP were elevated to 4.71 and 1.49, respectively. Verlander was not named to the AL All-Star team, ending a streak of five straight appearances since 2008.

2015: Disabled List and Opening Day Streak Ends

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. This was the first time Verlander had been placed on the DL in his major league career.

2018: Recovery from Surgery

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

March 17, 2020: Verlander undergoes 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 that the MLB season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 26, 2020: Verlander Shut Down with Forearm Strain

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

September 30, 2020: Verlander Undergoes 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.

2020: 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, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season.

2021: Sidelined Due to Injury

In 2021, Justin Verlander was sidelined due to an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery.

2024: Verlander starts 2024 on injured list, debuts in April

Justin Verlander began the 2024 season on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. He made his debut on April 19, 2024, helping the Astros win against the Washington Nationals and passing Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list.