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Giants Receive Justin Verlander News After Red Sox Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 4:47 PM ET

The San Francisco Giants continue to battle for playoff positioning with a 44-34 record, sitting 3.5 games behind the NL West-leading Dodgers and holding sole possession of the league’s second Wild Card spot.

After winning two out of three games in a series against the Boston Red Sox this past weekend, they now aim to build on that momentum as they head into a series against the last-place Miami Marlins, who currently stand at 31-45.

Much of the Giants’ success this season has been driven by a consistently strong pitching staff. Ranked third in ERA at 3.26, the staff has also been exceptional in limiting power, giving up only 62 home runs—the second fewest in the league—and striking out 8.76 batters every nine innings.

Yet even as the rotation shines, offseason signing Justin Verlander has encountered his own set of challenges. Verlander recently returned to the mound last Wednesday after suffering a strained right pectoral, and in that outing, he allowed 4 runs in 4.2 innings—giving up 7 hits and 1 walk—and took the loss.

The veteran right-handed starter inked a one-year, $15 million deal heading into his age-42 season this offseason. In a recent roster move, the Giants optioned Tyler Fitzgerald to Triple-A as Verlander returned from paternity leave.

The Giants optioned Tyler Fitzgerald to Triple-A yesterday, Justin Verlander is back from paternity leave. That leaves Wisely/Koss at second base until Chapman returns and Schmitt is an option.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) June 23, 2025

In his 11 starts with the Giants this season, he is 0-4 with a 4.45 ERA, allowing 9.4 hits and posting 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings—numbers that fall well below his established career norms.

Despite a career that includes an MVP, Triple Crown, three Cy Young Awards, nine All-Star selections, and two World Series championships over 20 seasons, his current performance thus far has been underwhelming and he will look to bounce back in his next scheduled start against Miami.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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