Justin Verlander Shocks MLB: Inside the Record-Breaking Comeback Reshaping the Astros’ Season

Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander returns to the mound tonight as the San Francisco Giants close their road trip against the Atlanta Braves, still searching for his elusive first win of the 2025 season. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer carries an 0-8 record and 4.99 ERA into start No. 17 after a frustrating 2 ⅔-inning outing in Toronto in which he allowed four runs on nine hits and failed to record a strikeout for the first time this year. Verlander insists his recent mechanical tweaks have sharpened his velocity—touching 97 mph—and breaking-ball bite, but the Giants continue to give him the third-fewest runs of support in MLB. Key matchup • Verlander vs. Spencer Strider (4-7, 3.59 ERA) • First pitch: 7:20 p.m. ET at Truist Park • Broadcast: NBCS Bay Area, Bally Sports South, MLB.TV Why this start matters • Halting the longest single-season winless streak by a Giants starter in franchise history (16 starts). • Preserving Verlander’s chase for 300 career victories—he remains stalled at 262. • Offering fantasy baseball managers a potential buy-low opportunity if his strikeout stuff rebounds. What the numbers say • Opponents hitting .287 with runners in scoring position vs. Verlander. • Giants average just 1.6 runs in his starts (26 total runs). • Verlander owns a 3.75 career ERA in four starts against Atlanta. Clubhouse vibe Players acknowledge the weight of history. “We want to make history for him… he deserves it,” outfielder Heliot Ramos said after the Toronto loss, echoing manager Bob Melvin’s plea for early run support. Verlander, meanwhile, remains “fairly optimistic,” pointing to improved pitch quality despite poor results. Scouting report Expect an elevated four-seam fastball and a sharper curve early; if command wavers, Strider’s high-octane arsenal could force Verlander into another bullpen-heavy night. Giants’ roster moves Tuesday—recalling right-handers Carson Seymour and Sean Hjelle—hint the club is bracing for length relief. What’s next If Verlander finally breaks through, he would return to Oracle Park next week with momentum against the surging Dodgers. A continued drought, however, will intensify questions about his role—and his pursuit of 300 wins—as the July 31 trade deadline and postseason push loom.