While injuries limited Justin Verlander’s production last season, the three-time Cy Young Award winner is working his way back with the San Francisco Giants. After signing a one-year, $15 million contract with the National League West team, Verlander finally pitched during Spring Training against the Colorado Rockies.
The two-time World Series Champion threw 34 pitches over two innings in the Giants’ 2-2 tie against the Rockies. While desert weather could make the ball erratic, he did have a 96-mile-per-hour pitch and struck one batter. The nine-time Major League Baseball All-Star did well in his first appearance in Arizona.
While Verlander is still making his way back to full health, he’s happy that his condition is way better than where he was last year. His inflamed shoulder limited him to a 5-6 record with a 5.48 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 90 1/3 innings.
The Giants hope Verlander can stay healthy for the entire season. Doing so boosts San Francisco’s starting rotation, which features Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks, and Kyle Harrison.
-Lance Fernandez