After Early Hiccup, Justin Verlander Efficient In First Spring Start
Justin Verlander. Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
After losing Jacob deGrom via free agency, the New York Mets responded by signing future hall of fame pitcher Justin Verlander to a two-year, $86,666,666 deal. The 40-year-old pitcher finally made his first in-game appearance for the blue in orange Saturday afternoon against the Miami Marlins. Despite allowing an early run, Verlander settled down and turned in a solid, efficient outing.
The game began with reigning AL Batting Champion Luis Arráez dumping a single into left field. Verlander then induced a pop out and strikeout (87 MPH slider, swinging) before Jean Segura scored Arráez via a double in the gap. Though, after that, the three-time Cy Young Award winner was perfect.
Verlander buzzed through the Marlins in the second inning needing only 11 pitches. The last out of the inning was a three-pitch strike out. He got Jesús Sánchez swinging through a 95 MPH fastball at the top of the zone to end the swift frame. The former Tiger and Astro pitched one more inning, another efficient frame where he threw only 12 pitches. Once again, inducing one strikeout, via a whiff at a 95 MPH fastball at the top of the zone.
Verlander did not give up a hit in either the second or third frames, setting down the side in order each time.
Verlander’s final line read three innings, two hits, one run, three strikeouts (no walks), and 35 pitches (28 strikes). He utilized four pitches: fastball, slider, changeup, and curveball. His fastball sat in the mid-90 MPH range while his slider hovered around 87 MPH. The 40-year-old’s repertoire looked very strong.
As for his debrief after the game, Verlander explained that he may need to make a couple more adjustments in regards to the pitch clock. Though, he added he felt great and his control felt pretty good as well (no walks). Overall, it was a status-quo type outing for the veteran that projects out to be the team’s co-ace alongside the other future hall of fame pitcher, Max Scherzer.
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