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 Major League Baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. Previously with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets, Verlander has achieved significant accolades, including three Cy Young Awards, an American League MVP Award, and two World Series championships. He is widely regarded as one of the sport's all-time great pitchers due to his exceptional skill and accomplishments throughout his career.

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 and finished the season with an 11–17 win-loss record and a 4.84 ERA.

2012: World Series Game 1

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

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, but he recovered in time for training camp in February 2014.

February 2014: Training Camp

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

2014: Decreased Fastball Velocity

In 2014, Justin Verlander's fastball velocity averaged 91.2 mph, a decrease compared to later years.

2014: 2014 Season Second Half

Justin Verlander performed somewhat better in the second half of 2014. His season ERA and WHIP dropped, and he won his final three decisions. However, his strikeout rate remained low. He mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from core surgery during the 2014 season.

2014: Struggles in 2014 First Half

Justin Verlander struggled in the first half of 2014. His strikeouts were down, and his ERA and WHIP were elevated. He was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008.

2015: Fastball velocity struggles

In 2015, Justin Verlander's fastball velocity averaged 92.3 mph.

2015: Disabled List

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

Justin Verlander mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery he underwent 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 that required six weeks to recover.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down with Forearm Strain

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

September 30, 2020: Tommy John Surgery

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

2020: Season Injury

In 2020, Justin Verlander missed most of the 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.

2021: Season Injury

In 2021, Justin Verlander missed all of the season due to injury.

March 30, 2023: Verlander placed on injured list by the Mets

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

2024: Verlander starts the 2024 season on the IL

Justin Verlander began the 2024 season on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation complications. He made his debut on April 19, 2024, and also passed Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list.