The Houston Astros released their roster for the American League Wild Card Series just a few hours ahead of the first pitch for Game 1 on Tuesday.
The notable items are the inclusion of outfielders Yordan Alvarez and Chas McCormick, who were both dealing with injuries towards the end of the regular season, and the absence of pitcher Justin Verlander.
Verlander has struggled since returning from a neck injury.
Following his last start of the regular season. Verlander said he may have returned too soon.
“I think I came back from the neck injury a little fast,” he said. “Obviously I know the schedule, I know the calendar and I want to be an asset for this team and to do that I need to be able to pitch and find out where I’m at. Obviously, the results have not been good, but there’s nothing you can do besides trying to pitch.”
Verlander went on the injured list on June 15 and returned on Aug. 21. He’s won just one of six starts since his return and hasn’t pitched longer than five innings in any of those outings.
“I haven’t been good since I’ve been back, so it’s hard,” he said. “But I’ve had hard stretches in my career before (and) just got to find a way to work through it.”
Verlander, who is in his 20th MLB season, said this has been one of the most difficult stretches of his illustrious career. He's 4-6 with a 5.55 ERA in 16 starts this year.
The series roster includes 11 pitchers and 15 position players. Five of the players on the roster will be getting their first taste of the postseason: RHP Spencer Arrighetti, RHP Ronel Blanco, IF Zach Dezenzo and LHP Bryan King.
The Astros will carry 18 players with them throughout the postseason on their taxi squad.
