The Houston Astros have announced their roster for the wild-card series against the Detroit Tigers, and it features a notable return. Slugging sensation Yordan Alvarez will bat second in Game 1 on Tuesday, marking his first appearance since September 22 when he suffered a right knee sprain. Alvarez will serve as the designated hitter, bringing his impressive.308 batting average, 35 home runs, and 86 RBIs to the lineup.
However, three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander will not be part of the Astros’ roster for the series. Despite earning his 262nd career victory on Saturday night, Verlander was left off the roster due to the strong performances of the team’s young starters. Manager Joe Espada praised Verlander’s professionalism in response to the decision, leaving the door open for his potential return in future rounds.
Outfielder Chas McCormick has also been included on the roster, making a swift recovery from a small fracture in his right hand sustained on September 10. Meanwhile, the Tigers have opted to leave right-hander Kenta Maeda off their roster, citing his recent 89-pitch outing on Sunday as a key factor in their decision. According to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, Maeda’s contribution allowed the team to rest their relievers, setting them up for success in the series.
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