Justin Verlander handed the baseball to his manager and began the walk to his dugout. He adjusted his cap and shook his head several times. He approached the first-base line with his gaze lowered. In contrast,

The significance of the moment didn’t appear to be lost on Justin Verlander, who patted his chest to acknowledge the Minute Maid Park crowd and pointed towards the sky before disappearing into the home dugout perhaps for the final time.

A difficult decision lingers as Justin Verlander searches for his form. But whatever choice the Astros make, their rotation has the pieces to envision a deep October run.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander bent his head, smacked the ball back in his glove as he walked back to the mound. Astros manager Joe Espada met him there, letting him know he would not face another batter.