Following Tuesday’s trade deadline deal that sent Justin Verlander back to Houston for two prospects, the righty is lined up to make his Astros debut against the Yankees on Friday.
The 40-year-old has made a name for himself as a huge name against the Yankees over the course of his career, especially in the playoffs.
He has a 2.62 ERA and 5-1 record against the Yankees in the postseason, which includes winning the 2017 ALCS MVP in a seven-game series against the Bronx team.
“It’s not necessarily facing them, I don’t think it’s that,” Verlander said last week following a 9-3 win at Yankee Stadium. “I mean, I enjoy pitching here. It’s fun. All eyes are on you and big moments, and we’ve had some great rivalries in the past with the Astros.”
It’s important to remember that Verlander was the fourth big name — after Max Scherzer, David Robertson and Mark Canha — to be dealt. The Mets also traded outfielder Tommy Pham in the waning minutes of the deadline.
