6 Baseball Players who Played for Tigers and Astros
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Tigers and the Astros.
Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander has been a key figure in MLB for well over a decade. He began his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers in 2005 and quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers in the league.
He won both the American League Cy Young and MVP awards in 2011, a rarity for a pitcher.
In 2017, he was traded to the Houston Astros and helped lead them to a World Series title the same year. With nine All-Star appearances, three no-hitters, and over 3,000 strikeouts, Verlander is assuredly a future Hall of Famer.
Verlander Key Stats
- MVP (Tigers)
- Cy Young (Tigers, Astros)
- Rookie of the Year (Tigers)
- All-Star (Tigers, Astros)
- 20+ Win Season (Tigers, Astros)
- 3000+ Strikeouts Career (Tigers, Astros, Mets)
- 300+ Strikeout Season (Astros)
Ivan Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez, also known as “Pudge”, was a beast in baseball from 1991 to 2011. He played for 6 different teams over his career including the Rangers, Tigers, Nationals, Yankees, Astros and Marlins. Rodriguez was a key player in the Marlins’ 2003 World Series win.
He chalked up over 2,800 hits, and hit over 300 home runs in his career with a single-season best 35 home runs in 1999 – his MVP year. Rodriguez made the All-Star team 14 times and won an impressive 13 Gold Gloves for his standout defensive skills.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017, Pudge is often considered one of the best catchers the game has ever seen.
Rodriguez Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Rangers, Tigers, Nationals, Yankees, Astros, Marlins)
- MVP (Rangers)
- All-Star (Rangers, Tigers)
- Gold Glove (Rangers, Tigers)
- Silver Slugger (Rangers, Tigers)
- World Series Champ (Marlins)
- 100+ RBI Season (Rangers)
Francisco Liriano
Francisco Liriano began his MLB journey with the Minnesota Twins in 2005, quickly making an impression as one of the league’s promising young pitchers. In 2006, his breakout season, he was named an All-Star, and while his year was cut short due to Tommy John surgery, his performance left a lasting impression.
Over the years, Liriano played for various teams, including the White Sox, Pirates, Blue Jays, Astros, and Tigers. One of his career highlights came with the Pirates, where he won the 2013 National League Comeback Player of the Year after an impressive season on the mound.
Throughout his career, Liriano was known for his devastating slider and ability to generate strikeouts. His journey in the MLB was characterized by moments of sheer dominance, resilience in the face of injuries, and adaptability as he transitioned roles, even serving as a relief pitcher later in his career.
Loriano Key Stats
- All-Star (Twins)
- World Series Champ (Astros)
- 200+ Strikeout Season (Twins, Pirates)
J.D. Martinez
J.D. Martinez is in his 13th year in the majors and is currently playing outfield and DH for the Dodgers.
Martinez is a 6x All-Star (Tigers, Red Sox, Dodgers) and has twice been awarded the Silver Slugger award (Tigers, Red Sox). He’s hit over 300 home runs thus far in his career and is quickly approaching 1000 RBIs.
Given his success and his recent time spent with various teams and it’s easy to see why Martinez will be a popular player for many different squares on the grid.
Joe Niekro
Joe Niekro was a prominent right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, who had an impressive career spanning from 1967 to 1988. Known as one of the most successful knuckleball pitchers, he won 221 games, including a no-hitter in 1973.
Niekro spent the majority of his career with the Houston Astros, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in wins. His standout year came in 1979 when he won 21 games and helped the Astros to a playoff berth.
Not only did he excel individually, but he and his brother Phil Niekro hold the record for the most combined wins by brothers in MLB history.
Brad Ausmus
Brad Ausmus, who played from 1993 to 2010, is best known for his time as a catcher with the Houston Astros.
Ausmus had a solid career, logging over 1500 hits, 80 home runs, and a .251 career batting average. He also stole 102 bases, a high number for a catcher. He was a three-time Gold Glove winner (Astros), a testament to his defensive prowess behind the plate, and was named an All-Star (Tigers) in 1999.
Ausmus’s leadership skills were always apparent, and after his playing days, he transitioned into a managerial role, leading both the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Angels.
