Whether Justin Verlander will factor into the Astros’ postseason plans is something neither he nor manager Joe Espada directly addressed Saturday.

Justin Verlander’s 2024 season isn’t exactly one to remember between the injuries, a couple of IL stints, and general ineffectiveness. Velocity, down. Strikeouts, down. ERA, up. FIP, up. Plenty of Verlander’s numbers have trended in the wrong direction.

In his final start of the season, and perhaps his final start with the Astros, Justin Verlander tossed six innings, striking out five and giving up three runs.

The future Hall of Famer made case for playoff role, but it might be too late: "I feel like I’ve been inching in the right direction.”

Justin Verlander allowed three early runs but grinded out six innings, and the Houston Astros used a three-run second to beat the host Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday night.

Justin Verlander waved to the crowd at Minute Maid Park late Tuesday night knowing he may not have another chance to toe the rubber at the ballpark he now calls home. But Verlander will still take the mound in a Houston Astros ' uniform at least once more, per manager Joe Espada.