Verlander excited for Astros debut: It's 'a first-day-of-school feeling'

It's been a long time since Justin Verlander was the fresh face in a clubhouse, but ahead of his debut for the Houston Astros on Tuesday, the veteran starter shared his excitement.

"To hear and feel and see that emotion before I’m even here, man," Verlander told Bob Nightengale of the USA Today. "It made me feel so much more comfortable coming into a scary situation, really. This is so unique, so different, a first-day-of-school feeling."

The 34-year-old Verlander waived his no-trade clause with the Detroit Tigers to facilitate one of the biggest August trades in recent memory. Up until then, he'd logged all of his 2,511 career innings across 380 starts and 13 seasons with the Tigers.

Prior to the trade, Astros players - despite owning the best record in the American League - had publicly expressed disappointment at the front office's inaction following the non-waiver trade deadline. Naturally then, they were ready to embrace the latest addition.

"I tell you, man, it really made me feel special," Verlander continued about his warm welcome. "It makes you feel so embraced, seeing everybody, seeing how excited they were when I met them face to face."

Verlander's first start will come against Ariel Miranda and the Seattle Mariners. The Astros are in the midst of a five-game win streak.