Verlander to start Game 1 of ALDS for Astros against Minnesota

Updated Oct. 5, 2023 12:59 p.m. ET

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander will start Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.

It will be the 35th career postseason start for Verlander, who returned to the AL West champion Astros in a trade from the New York Mets this summer.

Manager Dusty Baker made the announcement Thursday and added that left-hander Framber Valdez would start Game 2 Sunday night.

Verlander, 40, was 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA in 27 starts this season. The three-time Cy Young Award winner was 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 11 starts for Houston after the trade.

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The Twins, who won two games over the Blue Jays in the Wild Card Series to advance, have not announced their starters for the series.

Valdez, 29, was 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA in 31 starts this season. He threw a no-hitter against the Guardians in August.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

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