The New York Mets veteran one-two punch is showing an appearance that does not live up to expectations this season.
Justin Verlander started the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field in New York, New York, USA on the 17th (Korean time) and recorded a loss with 8 hits (2 homers), 2 walks, 3 strikeouts and 6 runs in 5 innings. Concerns about the Mets’ starting lineup are growing as Verlander pitches sluggishly following Max Scherzer.
The Mets signed Scherzer to a three-year, $130 million contract last season. Following this season, he signed a contract with Verlander for 2 years and 86 million dollars (approximately 115.2 billion won), forming a super luxurious one-two punch with a total of 6 Cy Young awards (3 Scherzer and 3 Verlander).
However, Scherzer and Verlander both performed below expectations this season. Scherzer was suspended for 10 games for failing to pass a foreign substance test during the game, and due to overlapping injuries, he only recorded 3 wins, 2 losses, and an ERA of 4.88 in 6 games (27⅔ innings). Verlander also started the season late due to an injury, and is recording poor results with an average ERA of 4.76 with 1 win and 2 losses in 3 games (17 innings).
Both Scherzer and Verlander are veterans among veterans who are not young. Scherzer turns 39 this year, and Verlander is 40. That’s why it’s hard to get over the sluggishness at the beginning of the season lightly.
Several indicators are also pointing to negative signals. Scherzer’s average four-seam velocity has dropped from 94.0 mph (151.3 km) last year to 93.3 mph (150.2 km) this year. Verlander’s four-seam average velocity was 94.7 miles (152.4 km) this year from 95.0 miles (152.9 km) last year, and the drop was not large. However, the maximum speed dropped significantly from 99.3 miles (159.8 km) to 96.9 miles (155.9 km).
MLB.com, the official major league media, said, “When Scherzer struggled with injuries and Francisco Lindor fell into a slump, at least for the Mets, Verlander was holding out in the starting lineup. However, when even Verlander fell into a slump, it is questionable how the Mets will turn things around.”
“I wanted to lead the team to victory with a good game today,” Verlander said. But I couldn’t. The pitcher who will pitch next to me has the same mind as me and will do his best,” he said, unable to hide his regret.
The 28,296 spectators who visited Citi Field that day booed when Verlander collapsed. Verlander said: “I understand the disappointment of the fans. We were equally disappointed. Everyone was disappointed. We hope it gets better.메이저사이트 All we have to do is keep our heads down and do our best to get out of the slump.”