Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander has good memories when facing the Toronto Blue Jays.
The last time the veteran right-hander took the ball against the Jays, he threw a no-hitter against them.
Of course, Verlander won the American League Cy Young award that year, so he was quite dominant.
What he did that day, however, was something else.
“Today will be Justin Verlander’s first start against the Blue Jays since no-hitting them on Sept. 1, 2019. Here was that day’s Blue Jays lineup,” Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle tweeted, together with a picture of the Jays’ batting order that day.
Today will be Justin Verlander's first start against the Blue Jays since no-hitting them on Sept. 1, 2019. Here was that day's Blue Jays lineup pic.twitter.com/jkK3YjS4Jq
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 22, 2022
The only players remaining from the lineup that day are shortstop Bo Bichette, infielder Cavan Biggio, and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Verlander will take the ball today against Toronto, but their roster is much, much better this time than three years ago.
Even though Teoscar Hernandez and George Springer are banged up, they have plenty of firepower to offer to Verlander.
Verlander Is Having A Great Start Of The Year
The 39-year-old ace, however, seems locked-in at the moment.
In two starts to begin the 2022 season, he is sporting a 0.69 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP in 13 innings.
He has a 1-1 record and has thrown 13 innings to this point.
He is showing no ill effects from his Tommy John surgery recovery.
He underwent the procedure late in 2020 and missed the entire 2021 campaign as a result.
Verlander signed a free agent deal to remain in Houston and show fans he is still a top starter in baseball.
Tonight’s game will be played at Minute Maid Park in Houston, with the play ball call at 8:10 pm.
Ross Stripling will be facing Verlander.
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