Justin Verlander addressed his trade to the Houston Astros by posting a video to Instagram on Friday. In the video, Verlander both bid Detroit farewell and expressed his excitement to begin a new chapter in Houston.
Here’s a look at the video from Verlander:
And here is the caption the former Tigers pitcher posted:
“Thank you to Detroit for an incredible 13-seasons, a city that will always be important to me. But now I couldn’t be more excited to join the Astros and am looking forward to getting started right away. I am committed to making an impact off the field, especially during such difficult times. My Foundation, Wins for Warriors, will continue to do the great work we have started in Detroit, but will also expand to Houston effective immediately and get involved with aiding the #HurricaneHarvey disaster relief efforts. @winsforwarriors”
Reports first said that Verlander was initially reluctant to go to Houston and was blocking a trade there before eventually changing his mind at the last minute. Now a half-day later, he appears to be embracing the new challenge ahead.
The 34-year-old pitcher will be a nice weapon for the Astros down the stretch. Since July 8, he has allowed more than three runs just once, which has helped lower his ERA to a respectable 3.82 mark.
