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As the Houston Astros prepare for a critical series against the San Francisco Giants, the spotlight is once again on veteran right-hander Justin Verlander — and the burning question is clear: Can the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer get back on track before it’s too late?
Verlander, who returned to Houston in 2023 amid high expectations, has struggled with consistency throughout the 2025 season. Once known for his dominant fastball and surgical precision, his recent outings have been plagued by decreased velocity, elevated pitch counts, and a surprising uptick in walks and hard contact.
📉 Verlander’s 2025 Season Snapshot
| Starts | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts | HR Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 4–5 | 4.88 | 1.37 | 52 | 11 |
His last outing against the Yankees saw him chased after just 4.1 innings, giving up 5 earned runs and two home runs. Verlander’s struggles aren’t just about numbers — it’s the feel that seems off. Fastballs are missing corners, and his trademark curve isn’t biting the way it used to.
🧠 “He’s Adjusting, But the Clock’s Ticking”
Astros pitching coach Josh Miller spoke candidly this week:
“Justin’s a competitor. He’s making adjustments, but he knows he’s not where he needs to be. These starts matter, and he knows it more than anyone.”
The upcoming series against the Giants presents both a challenge and an opportunity. San Francisco’s offense has been dangerous lately, particularly against right-handed pitching. Verlander will need to be sharp from the first pitch — especially against hitters like Thairo Estrada, Matt Chapman, and rookie standout Marco Luciano.
📣 Astros Fans Ask: Is This Still The Guy?
There’s no doubting Verlander’s resume: 3 Cy Young Awards, a World Series MVP, and over 260 career wins. But the Astros are in a playoff hunt, and questions about whether Verlander can still be the guy in big games are growing louder.
With the trade deadline approaching and Houston’s rotation depth being tested, this next start against the Giants may shape more than just his season — it could influence the front office’s decisions moving forward.
🕒 First Pitch Coming Soon
Matchup: Astros vs. Giants
Pitching Duel: Verlander (HOU) vs. Logan Webb (SF)
Game Time: Sunday, 1:10 PM CST at Minute Maid Park
🗣️ Final Word
If Justin Verlander wants to silence the doubters and remind baseball why he’s still a force to be reckoned with, there’s no better time — and no tougher test — than the San Francisco Giants.
