Everything old is new again for the Astros.
Less than eight months after pitcher Justin Verlander left Houston for the Mets in free agency, New York is reportedly dealing the future Hall of Famer back to Space City. The move gives the Astros—just a half-game back of the Rangers in the AL West standings—another ace as they pursue a second straight World Series title.
More importantly, though, it gave Twitter the opportunity to make its favorite joke whenever an athlete lands with a team for which they've already played.
Accounts large and small posted “Photoshops” of Verlander in a Houston uniform that reflected his 2017 to’ 22 stay with the Astros.
Official MLB accounts made the joke.
Exclusive look at Justin Verlander in an Astros uniform!
— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 1, 2023
(Trade info via @Feinsand) pic.twitter.com/97XD4zFcLn
MLB television partners made the joke.
Quick photoshop of Justin Verlander in an Astros uniform 😆 pic.twitter.com/R8rsZ6l3oS
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 1, 2023
Fans made the joke and pointed out that it could extend to any of Houston’s current uniform options.
Your first look at Justin Verlander in each Astros uniform pic.twitter.com/EJQfl6kB3S
— Jenn (@baseballnchill) August 1, 2023
In a bit of meta humor, a few fans even made jokes about the omnipresence of the joke.
MLB Twitter accounts posting a photo of Verlander in an Astros uniform with the caption “check out my photoshop” pic.twitter.com/Ue9ylGPToL
— Webster (@WallyEatsCats) August 1, 2023
Admirably, a few fans and outlets tried their hand at lo-fi Microsoft Paint-style "Photoshops," with mixed results.
First look at Justin Verlander in an #Astros uniformhttps://t.co/vO6oWIiBhM pic.twitter.com/PNGQUqI0mM
— Tipico Sportsbook (@tipico) August 1, 2023
First look at Justin Verlander in an Astros uniform pic.twitter.com/8VOOheDuC4
— Colby Marchio (@C_Marchio2) August 1, 2023
Needless to say, the baseball world needs some new material.
