Justin Verlander Blames Slider, Not Lack Of Rest, For Dismal Game 4 Outing

Justin Verlander did not have his best stuff in Game 4 of the Americal League Divisional Series between the Astros and the Rays, giving up four runs (all earned) off seven hits through just 3 2/3 innings of work.

But the Houston righty isn’t blaming lack of rest for his dismal performance.

So, what’s his excuse?

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“Bad slider. Inconsistent control,” Verlander said, per ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle. “I felt like the velocity was there, but the control wasn’t and the slider wasn’t. Mix that in with a good approach (from the Rays) in the first.”

It is worth noting the 36-year-old was indeed working on just three days rest after starting Game 1 of the best-of-five set. But in case he didn’t already have you convinced, Verlander doubled down on his claim a short time later.

“Really the slider was the worst it’s been all year,” he reiterated. “I needed something to go our way, and when I made mistakes, they really capitalized on them with runners on base. It killed us.”

Fair enough.