"Look who is ready to pitch Game 1 against the Texas Rangers on Saturday night.

You got it, Justin Verlander.

The same Verlander who was not sent to the bullpen for emergency availability during Thursday night's 3-2 victory over the Yankees in Game 5 of the Division Series.

"He took some heat, but he stuck to his guns," Verlander said about manager Jim Leyland's refusal to send his ace to the bullpen. "Just the way he drew it up. Perfect - or as close to perfect as anything is."