Astros deny Detroit reporter access to Justin Verlander

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Houston Astros denied a reporter access to Justin Verlander following the team's 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.

At the pitcher's request, Detroit Free Press writer Anthony Fenech was not allowed to attend Verlander's postgame media availability, Astros vice president of communications Gene Dias told the newspaper. Verlander refused to speak to any reporters with Fenech in attendance.

Fenech was allowed to enter the Astros' clubhouse when Verlander was done speaking, about six minutes after the general clubhouse opening.

"Blocking a working reporter from doing his job is unprofessional, disappointing and intolerable," Free Press executive editor Peter Bhatia said. "We will be protesting to MLB and the Astros."

Verlander had made his displeasure with Fenech known at least twice prior to Wednesday night. He refused to talk to reporters with Fenech in attendance on Tuesday, and Dias told the writer before Wednesday's game that Verlander didn't want him at his postgame session.

On Thursday, Verlander gave details behind the decision due to what he said was the reporter's "unethical behavior in the past":

Verlander pitched for the Tigers from 2005 to 2017, when he was moved to Houston at the trade deadline. Fenech has been the Tigers' beat writer for the Free Press since 2015.

The Tigers scored the largest MLB upset in 15 seasons after being listed as plus-435 underdogs. Verlander took the loss after allowing two runs on two hits with 11 strikeouts in a complete game.

The Astros are heavy favorites again Thursday, listed at minus-500 odds at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook.