Verlander not thinking retirement, prepared for '2nd half' of career

Justin Verlander doesn't plan on hanging up his cleats any time soon, much to the chagrin of opposing batters.

The Houston Astros right-hander has played 14 seasons in the major-leagues, and said earlier this week that he hasn't considered walking away.

"Just keep swimming," Verlander said, according to ESPN. "That's me. Just keep pitching. Just head down, prepare myself and just keep pitching. And at the end of my career, hopefully when I look up and all is said and done, that's cemented my legacy."

That legacy may have already been cemented by a Hall of Fame-worthy career to date. The 35-year-old has has compiled a 204-123 record with a 3.39 ERA and 1.16 WHIP and has been named to seven All-Star teams since debuting with the Detroit Tigers in 2005. He put together another remarkable campaign in 2018, going 16-9 with a 2.52 ERA and a career-best 12.2 K/9.

Verlander added that he's aware of the importance of staying healthy and strong, and dealing with ailments before they become serious issues. For now, there's no end in sight for his impressive career.

"I've had a great learning experience the last five years or so," Verlander said. "And I think that's going to be what prepares me for the second half of my career.

"I said second half, by the way."

Those last five seasons have featured a little more adversity than before. He posted a 4.54 ERA in 2014, and was limited to only 20 starts the following season due to a triceps strain that sent him to the disabled list for the first time. He returned and progressively got stronger before his tenure in Houston got underway in 2017.

The focus of the moment, however, is the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox, where Verlander is tabbed to start Game 1 on Saturday night at Fenway Park.