Justin Verlander: Buy or Sell
By Bill Pivetz
Jun 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Justin Verlander(35) pitches in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The waiver wire just got a boost from a returning Superstar. After expecting a return earlier in the season, the former 2011 Cy Young and American League MVP winner returned to the mound on Saturday. The Detroit Tigers‘ Justin Verlander pitched a great first game and now owners are asking the big question. Is he worth adding for the rest of the season?
The short answer is yes.
Fantasy owners were already jumping the gun on Verlander. He was owned in 77.3 percent of ESPN.com leagues before he even stepped on the mound. Those owners are smiling wide now. He threw 93 pitches in his final rehab start for Triple-A Toledo on June 6, striking out nine batters and allowing just one run on four hits.
In his first start for the Tigers this season, he went five innings and allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two batters. He left with a pitch count at 87 pitches. Verlander looked good and was able to get his fastball up to 96 MPH.
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Did Verlander find his velocity that he lost over the last couple of seasons? Perhaps. I don’t think he can keep the velocity at that speed throughout a six-inning game. The strikeout rate has declined over the last six seasons. He now has to rely on his control and deceit to get batters out.
Verlander makes his next start against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. The Reds are hitting .256 in the month of June. Joey Votto is crushing the ball, but the team lost breakout shortstop Zack Cozart last week. If Verlander can keep the ball low, he should be able to handle the Reds.
Verlander’s ownership has increased by 8.9 percent over the last week and currently sits at 86.2 percent. His arm looks to be back at full strength and a 100-pitch, seven-inning outing isn’t out of the question. If you are in a league and he’s still available, why not take a chance on Justin Verlander.