Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right pectoral injury. Verlander signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, who are having a tough year. On Wednesday, manager Bob Melvin broke the news of Verlander’s injury after the team’s loss to the Kansas City Royals.
Verlander has been experiencing nerve irritation in his pectoral muscle, affecting his command and velocity in recent outings. Many speculate that his age is playing a significant role in his injuries. His fastball velocity has dropped, and fans are asking the pitcher to retire.
Justin Verlander heads to the IL pic.twitter.com/lTDSJvi3fH
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 21, 2025
Here are some reactions from MLB fans to Justin Verlander’s recent injury.
“Yea it’s time to go spend some time with Kate Upton bud,” one fan wrote.
Yea it’s time to go spend some time with Kate upton bud
— Beau Whyte (@BWhyte) May 22, 2025
“Time for retirement,” another fan wrote.
Time for retirement
— Abel Zarate (@abelZarate) May 22, 2025
“Sad how injury riddled he has become in his old age,” another fan chimed in.
Sad how injury riddled he has become in his old age
— NMH (@nosmh_x) May 21, 2025
“He looks increasingly like the grizzled Eastern Front veteran sergeant who befriends a Romanian widow in the Carpathians and ends up fighting his own private war against a black bear menacing the village,” wrote one fan.
He looks increasingly like the grizzled Eastern Front veteran sergeant who befriends a Romanian widow in the Carpathians and ends up fighting his own private war against a black bear menacing the village.
— Jack Mitchell (@JackGMitchell) May 21, 2025
“Does this surprise anyone? Oldlander,” one fan chipped in.
Does this surprise anyone? Oldlander
— Ken Shaw (@Shawman314) May 21, 2025
“Just retire bro,” one fan said.
Just retire bro.
— Mannie. (@PremierVee) May 22, 2025
No disrespect to the guy, but the man needs to hang up his cleats already.
This is just hard to watch at this point
— Merik2008 (@merik2008) May 21, 2025
Justin Verlander’s MLB Future Remains Questionable
Verlander is 42, and not many pitchers have made it past that age. It’s hard to stay healthy, and his frequent injuries have been a problem. Teams would not want to risk giving him a new contract unless Verlander records incredible numbers this season.
The pitcher is having a bad start with a 0-3 record and a 4.33 ERA in 10 starts. The Giants will look to their younger pitchers to fill the gap during his recovery, hoping for a swift return of their veteran ace.
For now, Justin Verlander might miss two starts as the Giants remain optimistic about his return. Apart from Verlander, Max Scherzer has also been dealing with injuries. The Giants are ranked at No. 8 in the week 8 MLB power rankings.