Latest start from Astros legend raises concerns over October potential

Astros pitcher Justin Verlander's struggles on the mound continued in his third start back from an extended stint on the injured list.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner was pulled in the fifth inning of a 5-3 loss to the Reds on Monday.

Verlander allowed five earned runs on eight hits in 4.2 innings, the last run coming across the plate after he was forced out of the game.

He threw an alarming 107 pitches, only 58 of which were strikes.

Verlander's fastball lacked zip. In the first inning, first baseman Ty France drove in a run with a hit up the middle on a 94 mph four-seamer.

When facing third baseman Santiago Espinal in the fourth, his final batter of the day, Verlander hung another four-seamer over the heart of the plate, resulting in a two-run single to give the Reds a 4-2 advantage.

It was another underwhelming performance from Verlander, who recently returned from a 72-day absence following a June 9 start.

Since his first start back on Aug. 21, Verlander has a 6.97 ERA, allowing 11 earned runs in 14.2 innings. He's done little to show he'll be a key contributor under the bright postseason lights in October.

Fortunately for the Astros, the rest of their pitching staff appears ready for the occasion.

Per data from FanGraphs , Astros pitchers have the best ERA as a team since June 10 (3.22).

Starters Hunter Brown (2.10 ERA), Framber Valdez (2.80 ERA) and Ronel Blanco (3.23 ERA) have led the charge during that span.

All are better options at the front of Houston's rotation in the playoffs, as is rookie Spencer Arrighetti.

He had a horrific start to the season, posting a 10.97 ERA in April. But Arrighetti capped the best month of his pro career on Aug. 28 against the Orioles.

Last month, he had a 1.95 ERA in five starts, allowing seven runs in 32.1 innings and striking out 47 batters.

Per Codify, Houston starters had an incredible 2.43 ERA in August, which was by far the best mark in the league. Tigers starting pitchers finished second for the month with a 3.14 ERA.

As integral as Verlander has been to the Astros' two World Series wins and seven consecutive trips to the ALCS, it's hard to imagine him being the odd man out during the postseason.

Yet a month until the playoffs begin, and that's exactly where we're headed.