Despite blowout, SF Giants’ Verlander optimistic following best start of year

Despite blowout, SF Giants’ Verlander optimistic following best start of year

SAN FRANCISCO — Justin Verlander needed just one pitch to provide affirmation. Verlander began his afternoon against the Philadelphia Phillies with a four-seam fastball on the outside corner to Trea Turner. The pitch clocked in at 95.5 mph, well above his average fastball velocity of 93.9 mph. Between last Friday’s start against the A’s and Wednesday’s start against the Phillies, Verlander made a subtle mechanical tweak in the pursuit of improve…

Verlander hopeful promising adjustments lead to second-half turnaround

SAN FRANCISCO -- Justin Verlander spent most of the first half searching. Searching for his first win with the Giants, searching for full health, searching for a way to make himself more deceptive to hitters. On Wednesday afternoon, the 42-year-old right-hander finally found something that he hopes will help him