Despite the fact that they had just watched Justin Verlander yield six earned runs to a 62–92 Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros fans recognized how special the moment in front of them was as manager Joe Espada emerged from the dugout to take the ball from the 41-year-old righthander in the fifth inning of Friday's game at Minute Maid Park.
Verlander, a free agent after the season, has struggled mightily since returning from a stint on the injured list due to a neck injury on Aug. 21. And with the playoffs around the corner, there is certainly some doubt as to whether or not Verlander will make the club's postseason roster.
