What It Means:

The trade market had died down for Verlander at the deadline, but since then he's returned to the ace form we've become accustomed to seeing from the 34-year-old hurler. He's still owed $60 million through 2019, but the Tigers are looking to rebuild and the Astros have remained in contact with them over the last 48 hours.

In 6 starts, Verlander is 4-1 with a 3.80 FIP and 31.7% strikeout rate for the month of August. The Astros rank 5th in both FIP and strikeout rate for this month, but they trail three other AL contenders in those categories. With his recent form, Verlander could put them over the top.