Houston Astros: Analyzing the starting pitching matchups for the ALDS

Game one: Justin Verlander vs. Corey Kluber

Justin Verlander has been the Houston Astros bonafide ace since the team swung a literal last-second trade for him in August of 2017. He had one of the best months a pitcher has ever had last September and continued that this year. By doing so, he has him seriously contending for his second Cy Young award.

There was no doubt that he would be the Astros first starter this postseason. Verlander has been extremely strong for this team and is the most battle tested guy on this roster. He hasn’t faced Cleveland since 2017 before the trade and, unfortunately, those starts did not go well. In four starts, he was 1-3 with 19 runs given up in 21 innings for an 8.14 ERA. Hopefully, this start goes better than those did.

Corey Kluber is in the same boat as Verlander. He’s having an absolutely phenomenal year as well. He’s led the Indians pitching staff and team to yet another divisional title. He too is in contention for the Cy Young award though I don’t believe his case is as good as Verlander’s.

Also like Verlander, there was no doubt that he would be the Indians first starter in the playoffs. He and Verlander have different approaches but similar results. Kluber faced the Astros twice this season and largely got the better of them. So, based off of the direct comparisons Kluber would seem to have the advantage.

However, I wouldn’t be so quick to give him the edge. Both pitchers are extremely talented coming off terrific seasons. This one is probably very likely to end up in a pitchers duel. Both guys are known to elevate their game in clutch situations and Friday’s game will be full of them. So, for now, I’d call this one a push with no real advantage in terms of starting pitchers.