SAN FRANCISCO — Watching from afar, Bob Melvin assumed that Justin Verlander’s sustained success was primarily a product of his ability. Over the last eight-ish months, Melvin learned first-hand that Verlander didn’t craft a Hall of Fame career on ability alone.
“From the other side, you’d think it’s just the talent, that he just goes out there and doesn’t really even need scouting reports, just goes with what his strengths are,” Melvin said. “But he digs into everything he possibly can, including all the analytics.”
Verlander wrapped up his first season with the Giants by recording his fourth win of the season and the 266th of his career as San Francisco beat the Colorado Rockies 4-3 on Saturday afternoon at Oracle Park. Over six innings, Verlander allowed two runs — both on solo homers — with seven strikeouts to one walk.
All in all, the 42-year-old concludes his 20th season in the majors with a 4-11 record, 3.85 ERA and 137 strikeouts over 152 innings.
Second baseman Casey Schmitt provided the bulk of the Giants’ offense, hitting a three-run homer in the bottom of the second that gave them a lead they’d never lose.
“I think it’s a great year,” Melvin said pregame. “We didn’t give him much run support early on. The longer the season went on, the better he’s pitched. He’s found things late in the season by experimenting and being who he is and always determined, looking for something to make himself better. Not only has it been great to watch, it’s been great for all our other guys to watch, too. That started in spring training. He’s made quite the impact here.”
Verlander signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Giants following a season with the Houston Astros marred by injuries and inconsistency, one where he posted a 5.48 ERA over 17 starts. For all he’d already accomplished, Verlander told reporters upon signing that the passion to pitch still burned bright.
“The fire is still burning,” Verlander said in January.
The first three-and-a-half months of the regular season were not kind to Verlander. He not only ended the first half with a 4.70 ERA, missing a month due to right pectoral soreness, but he made no progress in his pursuit of 300 wins. Whether it was due to bullpen blowups or silent offenses, Verlander entered the All-Star break without a single win to his name.
Verlander’s ERA nearly hit five when he allowed four runs and recorded five outs against the Toronto Blue Jays to open the second half, but the right-hander’s fortunes would soon flip for the better. Beginning when he recorded his first win as a Giant on July 23, Verlander turned in his best performances of the year when the Giants needed it most.
Over his final 13 starts, Verlander posted a 2.60 ERA over 72 2/3 innings with 70 strikeouts. Along the way, Verlander passed both Walter Johnson and Gaylord Perry on the all-time strikeouts list, currently residing in eighth place. Going into next season, Verlander only needs 22 strikeouts to pass Don Sutton for seventh place.
“I’d love to see him back,” Melvin said. “He’s going to get a nice offer. It wouldn’t even shock me if he got a two-year deal based on the way he’s pitched. … It wouldn’t surprise me if there were a lot of offers coming for him this coming year.”