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The 2022 season was exceptional for Justin Verlander. The Houston Astros once again dominated the AL West, winning 106 games and easily making the postseason.
Houston faced the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS and shut them out, winning the series 3-0. They then shut out the New York Yankees, beating them 4-0 in the ALCS and the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in the World Series.
Verlander was a big part of Houston's dominance in the postseason, going 2-0 with 25 strikeouts. He acknowledged the role of his wife Kate Upton and their child in his triumph (via MLB Network).
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"A lot. No, you laugh, it's serious. A lot. Without my family there, I don't know. I mean, silver lining's not even the right terminology," said Verlander.
Verlander's family has been a big motivator for him, especially while going through Tommy John rehab. He had Tommy John surgery in September 2020, and it wasn't an easy road to recovery, but he said his family made the process easier.
"It was just such a blessing to have them and be able to go do my rehab every day and come home and see my daughter grow up and just be a part of my family," said Verlander.
Kate Upton reveals Justin Verlander's beaming positivity
Being a starting pitcher in the MLB is a tough job. Unlike position players or even designated hitters, they only see the field about 30 times during the season if they are lucky.
Not playing as much means everything is magnified for these guys. It can get even worse when a pitcher has to miss an entire season rehabbing from surgery.
However, the good ones don't let these things get them down. They have to almost be overly positive, and that's no different with Justin Verlander.
"He is the most positive person I've ever met and even the moment you found out you had to have Tommy John, he was like, 'I'm so grateful that I can spend this time with my daughter that I never thought I would have'" said Upton.
Kate Upton explained that Verlander is the most positive person she has met. Verlander embraced his Tommy John rehab as a chance to connect with his family and spend more time with his daughter.
