Despite the fact that they had just watched Justin Verlander yield six earned runs to a 62–92 Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros fans recognized how special the moment in front of them was as manager Joe Espada emerged from the dugout to take the ball from the 41-year-old righthander in the fifth inning of Friday's game at Minute Maid Park.

In what might have been his final start at Minute Maid Park as a member of the Astros, Justin Verlander got hit hard again Friday, this time surrendering six runs in 4 2/3 innings against an unimpressive Angels lineup.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander bent his head, smacked the ball back in his glove as he walked back to the mound. Astros manager Joe Espada met him there, letting him know he would not face another batter.