Justin Verlander’s Struggles with Giants Continue Amid Bizarre Circumstances

Justin Verlander‘s start with the San Francisco Giants hasn’t exactly been the smooth sailing most fans anticipated.

Despite his Hall of Fame-worthy resume and a hefty $15 million contract, the winningest active pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) remains winless through his first seven starts in orange and black.

Thursday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies—a disappointing 4-3 loss—encapsulates both Verlander’s strong efforts and the Giants’ broader struggles.

Justin Verlander: Strong Starts, No Wins

Known for his unparalleled competitiveness, Justin Verlander entered the 2023 season with 262 career wins under his belt, making him the winningest active pitcher in the majors.

Yet, through seven starts with the San Francisco Giants, the ace remains stuck on that number.

Thursday night’s outing against the Colorado Rockies followed a familiar script: Verlander pitched six solid innings, exiting with a 3-2 lead.

The bullpen, however, failed to preserve it.

The Bullpen’s Role in the Struggles

In Thursday’s loss, usually reliable reliever Tyler Rogers faltered, surrendering two late runs in the eighth inning that ultimately sunk the Giants.

This wasn’t the first time Verlander has been left hanging by his new team’s relief corps.

While he’s allowed just one earned run in each of his previous two starts, those promising performances also ended without a victory.

Verlander’s frustration is shared by Giants fans eager to see the veteran pitcher notch his first win for the team.

The Giants’ Offense: A Study in Inconsistency

Another factor behind Verlander’s winless streak lies in the Giants’ sputtering offense.

The team hasn’t scored more than five runs in a game over their last nine contests, giving their pitching staff precious little breathing room.

This lack of run support has been a recurring theme during Verlander’s starts, sharpening scrutiny on San Francisco’s bats.

Difficulty Against Left-Handed Starters

One glaring weakness has been the Giants’ inability to handle left-handed pitching.

Opposing teams have exploited this trend, and without significant adjustments, it will continue to hamper their ability to close out close games.

San Francisco’s front office will need to evaluate how to address this imbalance as the season progresses, whether through roster tweaks or better in-game strategies.

Fielding Excellence: A Silver Lining

While the Giants have struggled at the plate, their defense has been a bright spot during this challenging stretch.

Thursday night’s game featured standout fielding plays from key players like Mike Yastrzemski, Heliot Ramos, Matt Chapman, and Patrick Bailey.

These defensive sparks have helped the Giants stay competitive in games, even when their offense fails to deliver.

Injuries Adding to the Challenges

Compounding the team’s issues is the loss of second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald, who was placed on the injured list with a fractured rib.

In his absence, the Giants have called up Brett Wisely to split time with Christian Koss.

While Wisely brings promise, it’s yet another adjustment for a team trying to find its footing amid early-season struggles.

Adjusting to San Francisco’s Environment

For Verlander, pitching at Oracle Park comes with its own set of challenges.

The veteran has acknowledged the difficulties of adjusting to San Francisco’s notoriously cold and damp weather, a far cry from the conditions he’s thrived in throughout much of his illustrious career.

Looking Ahead

“If I continue to give my team a chance to win, the wins will come,” Verlander recently stated.

His mentality aligns with the competitive fire that has defined his two-decade career.

How Can the Giants Turn Things Around?

While there’s no quick fix for their struggles, several steps may help the Giants reverse their fortunes:

• Strengthen the bullpen: Relievers like Tyler Rogers must regain consistency to support the starting rotation.
• Adjust the offensive approach: Addressing the team’s struggles against left-handed pitching should be a top priority for the coaching staff.
• Capitalize on defensive strengths: Solid fielding can provide the Giants with opportunities to stay competitive while their offense works through its issues.

The Giants still have time to retool and rally in a long MLB season.

All eyes are on Justin Verlander as he looks to finally secure that elusive first win in San Francisco colors.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The bizarre case of Justin Verlander, who just can’t win with Giants – The San Francisco Standard