HOUSTON — The Astros will start Justin Verlander in 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, adding that Astros left-hander Framber Valdez would start Game 2 on 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.
Valdez, 29, was 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA in 31 starts this season. He threw a no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians in August.
The Twins, who swept the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card Series to advance, have not announced their starters vs. Houston.
Source: www.espn.com