MLB playoffs: Justin Verlander is not on the Astros' roster for the wild card series against the Tigers

The Houston Astros released their roster for their American League wild-card series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, which was missing a very familiar name: Justin Verlander.

The 41-year-old starter didn't make Houston's wild-card playoff roster and won't be able to appear in a game until the AL Division Series – if the Astros make it that far.

It was a rough season for Verlander, who had an ERA of nearly 4.00 before going on the injured list in June with a neck problem. He did not return for two months following this injury, finally returning on August 19. Since then, his results have been less than great. In seven starts since returning from the injured list, Verlander has an 8.10 ERA.

Part of that inflated ERA is due to two really bad starts in September (he allowed eight runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 8th and six against the Los Angeles Angels on September 21st). But his other five starts were mostly mediocre.

Had the Astros had a weaker pitching staff, Verlander likely would have been added to the roster. But Houston has the sixth-best personnel in baseball by ERA (3.74), and both their rotation and bullpen have been excellent. There was simply no room for Verlander on this playoff roster.

It's possible Houston needs Verlander in the ALDS. It depends on how many games they play in the Wildcard Series, as that will affect their starting lineup. So there's still a chance we see Verlander on the field in another postseason.