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Astros to start Justin Verlander on short rest in Game 4

Justin Verlander, Houston Astros

The Houston Astros did not have it in Game 3 of their ALDS series against the Rays in Tampa Bay on Monday.

Up 2-0 in the series, Houston was looking for a clean sweep. After opening up a 1-0 lead in the first on a Jose Altuve homer, Houston saw Tampa Bay score 10 of the game’s final 12 runs in a blowout loss.

After the game, Astros manager A.J. Hinch announced that Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander will get the call for Game 4 on Tuesday. He’ll do so pitching on three days rest.

Verlander pitching on short rest isn’t anything new. He’s done this multiple times throughout a Hall of Famer career.

The veteran threw seven shutout innings, giving up one hit while striking out eight in Houston’s Game 1 win over the Rays.

He last pitched on three days rest during the 2017 ALDS against the Boston Red Sox, giving up one run in 2.2 innings in a relief appearance.

This would be the fourth time in Verlander’s career he’s pitched on short rest in the postseason. None of the previous three came in a starting effort.

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