Justin Verlander takes a big step toward his Giants return

DENVER — After logging a strong simulated game on Wednesday at Coors Field, San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander took another big step toward a return to the mound.

The 42-year-old Verlander, placed on the injured list after his May 18 start with a sore right pectoral muscle, threw 65 pitches on Wednesday and looked very effective, according to Giants manager Bob Melvin.

"He had a lot of swings and misses, and I don't know if anybody hit a ball hard off him today," Melvin said. "It was 65 pitches, which exactly what we're looking for. We'll see how he feels tomorrow, and then we'll plot out what's next."

Verlander faced Jerar Encarnacion, Christian Koss and Daniel Johnson during the simulated game, and Melvin added that Verlander's effectiveness throwing at Coors Field made the session even more impressive.

"I thought he was way better today," Melvin said. "His breaking ball was really sharp today. This can be a tough place to throw to hitters too."

Melvin wouldn't commit to next steps for Verlander, stating he wanted to see how the right-hander felt on Thursday after throwing in Denver. However, Melvin did say that there was a potential course of action in Verlander emerges from the workout healthy.

"Probably throws a bullpen and then look at probably getting him into a game, but I'm getting ahead of myself," Melvin said.

Verlander, signed in the offseason to a one-year, $15M deal, has made 10 starts for the Giants in 2025, posting a 4.33 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 52.0 innings. 

The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2011 American League Most Valuable Player is in his 20th MLB season. However, this is only his second season in the National League, following 16 starts with the New York Mets in 2023 before being traded to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline.