Astros Pitching Justin Verlander on 3 Days' Rest Was a Pretty Bad Idea Given Lack of History

A.J. Hinch definitely got ahead of himself on this one.

The Houston Astros manager sent out veteran bulldog Justin Verlander to start Game 4 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays on only three days of rest, and let's just say things didn't get off to the best start for the AL Cy Young frontrunner.

In the first inning, he allowed three earned runs on four hits and a walk.

But this isn't merely a bad idea because of the results -- it's because of Verlander's experience pitching on short rest.

In his celebrated 15-year career, Verlander has never officially pitched on three days' rest. What made Hinch think that the playoffs would be a good time to do that?

Perhaps Hinch was hoping Verlander would tough it out and produce like he normally does. Unfortunately, that's completely backfired on him and the Astros are in an early hole.

Verlander threw 32 pitches in the first inning, which is the most he's thrown in the first inning of any start this season.

Sure, the Astros have a lethal lineup that's more than capable of putting up a crooked number in any inning, but this might be as demoralizing as it gets for them.

We'll see if the Astros can recover from that awful first inning and come back to win this game and the series against the Rays.