Challenges in the Life of Justin Verlander in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 13, 2026

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 Detroit Tigers. He's celebrated as one of baseball's all-time greats, boasting three Cy Young Awards, an American League MVP Award, and two World Series championships with the Houston Astros. His career also includes stints with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. Verlander's exceptional talent and achievements have solidified his place among the most accomplished pitchers in MLB history.

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 was the lowest since his 2006 rookie season.

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: All-Star Streak Ends

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: 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, and the Tigers were swept in the Series.

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

On January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander underwent core muscle surgery, potentially causing him to miss Opening Day.

2014: First Half Struggles

Justin Verlander struggled in the first half of 2014, with lowered strikeout rates and elevated ERA and WHIP. He was also not named to the AL All-Star team, ending a streak of five straight appearances.

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 he had been placed on the DL in his major league career.

2018: Surgery Recovery Impact

Justin Verlander mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery during the 2014 season, impacting his performance.

2020: Missed Season Due to Injury

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

2021: Missed Entire Season Due to Injury

Justin Verlander missed the entire 2021 season due to 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 with a low-grade teres major strain, retroactive to March 28.

2024: Verlander started the season on the injured list and passed Phil Niekro for 12th on all-time strikeout list

Justin Verlander started the 2024 season on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation during spring training. On his season debut on April 19, he passed Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list with his 3,343rd career strikeout.