Dusty Baker opens up about Justin Verlander’s performance

The Houston Astros won Game 1 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners but it wasn’t due to the pitching of starting pitcher Justin Verlander. The Cy Young ace allowed six runs and had to be pulled in the fourth inning of Tuesday’s game.

Astros manager Dusty Baker was asked about Verlander’s performance and if he was “less inclined” to start him for a potential Game 5. Baker not only supported his pitcher but would like to start him right away if he could.

Baker said, “I’m more inclined to bring him back. Because the chance of him having two bad outings is rare. So and I like to get a guy right back on the horse right away. I mean, you sit him out, the longer you sit him out the longer they have to think about it. And so, no, I wish I could start him tomorrow.”

That’s a great mentality to have. Baker knows what Verlander can do and if you have confidence in your players, through the good and the bad, they’re going to respond positively. And yeah, there’s something to be said about getting someone back out there right away when something goes bad. Whether it’s having a bad game or losing a championship, you would do anything to immediately get back out there and do better. Whether it’s Game 5 or possibly in the next round, Dusty is going to have faith in his star pitcher to go out and perform.