Convenience Big Store: Justin Verlander is leaving the Astros

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Today's starting lineup

For the second time, the Astros are saying goodbye to one of the key figures of their golden age. Justin Verlander's second stint in a Houston uniform ended Tuesday, when he agreed to a one-year deal with the Giants that will take the future Hall of Famer to San Francisco.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) reacts as manager Joe Espada pulled him after Los Angeles Angels Eric Wagaman's RBI double during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Saying goodbye ... again

Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander is leaving the Astros for the second time in free agency after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Giants.

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) dunks against Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagne (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

Photo by: Jess Rapfogel, Associated Press

Storming back

Amen Thompson gave the Rockets a first-half spark before Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün took over in the second half as Houston blew out Washington.

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, left, and head coach DeMeco Ryans talk before an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Mail call

As the Texans head into their playoff opener, Jonathan M. Alexander answers readers' questions about the coaching staff's future as well as Saturday's game vs. the Chargers.

Respect in short supply: From oddsmakers to commentators, the Texans aren't getting much respect heading into their playoff opener against the Chargers. The Houston contingent doesn't mind the hate. Read More
Chick Harris, 1945-2024: Chick Harris, the Texans' running backs coach for their first 12 seasons, has died at age 79. Read More

College Football Playoff

Jay Hartzell and the University of Texas Longhorns Spirit Squad at the Austin Convention Center at the SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals on March 8, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Photo by: Amy Price, SXSW Conference & Festivals Via Getty Images

Bohls' 9 Things

Athletic director Chris Del Conte and regent Kevin Eltife have a firm hand on Longhorns athletics as president Jay Hartzell goes to SMU. Kirk Bohls looks at that and much more in his weekly 9 Things column.

Learning from his elders: UT backup quarterback Arch Manning comes from arguably football's most famous family, but he remains grounded as he waits his turn behind Quinn Ewers. Read More
Game still on: Cotton Bowl officials are monitoring winter weather in the Dallas area but say the teams will arrive today as scheduled and play Friday despite poor conditions. Read More