The Houston Astros activated American League Cy Young frontrunner Justin Verlander from the 15-day injured list to start Friday night's game against the visiting Oakland Athletics.
Verlander injured his right calf on Aug. 28 against the Baltimore Orioles while running to cover first base during the third inning. He exited after the frame.
Verlander leads the majors in ERA (1.84) and WHIP (0.855) while going 16-3 in 24 starts. His victories are most in the AL and tied for second in the majors.
The 39-year-old has struck out 154 in 152 innings and walked just 26.
Verlander is a two-time Cy Young Award winner. He won the honor as well as American League MVP for the Detroit Tigers in 2011 and also won the Cy Young for the Astros in 2019. He is 242-132 with a 3.26 ERA in 17 seasons with the Tigers (2005-17) and Astros.
Houston optioned right-hander Seth Martinez to Triple-A Sugar Land. Martinez, 28, was 1-1 with a 2.09 ERA in 29 relief appearances for the Astros.
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