SF Giants rotation now counting big time on 42-year-old Justin Verlander

The SF Giants made a little bit of news over the weekend by trading for Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers. It may have gotten lost in the shuffle that veteran starter Justin Verlander will be returning to the mound soon.

After missing a month due to a pectoral injury, Verlander will get the ball on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians. Verlander has had an uneven start this season with the Giants. In 10 starts he has a record of 0-3 with a 4.33 ERA. He is still searching for his first win as he clings to the hope of winning 300 games in his illustrious career.

SF Giants get back veteran starter Justin Verlander

The future member of the Hall of Fame looked better in his most recent starts which is why it was a shame that he got injured when he did. One hopes there is not too much rust as he comes back, but at the age of 42 it would not be a huge shock if it takes him a start or two to try and recapture his form on the mound.

Verlander has just become a much more important part of the starting rotation in light of the Devers trade. Kyle Harrison filled in for him incely in the rotation while he was injured but Harrison is now with the Boston Red Sox organization. Plus, the Giants also sent Jordan Hicks to Boston who began the season in San Francisco's rotation.

The Giants now have less depth for their rotation. Logan Webb and Robbie Ray are the two co-aces at the top of the rotation with the two impressive young bucks in Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong showing a lot of promise. After Verlander though, it seems like next up on the depth chart could be top pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt in Triple-A Sacramento.

It would not shock anyone if the 42-year-old Verlander has to spend more time on the IL this season, so the Giants may very well have to dip into the minor leagues to fill in if there is an injury to anyone in the rotation.

That means there is going to be even more pressure on Verlander to perform after the trade for Devers. Trading Harrison away shows that the front office has enough faith in their current crop of starters old and young alike to get the job done, so they are placing a good amount of faith in Verlander.

For now though, it is nice to see Verlander return. Let's hope the time on the IL gave him a bit of a reset and he will be the Verlander of old for the rest of the season as the Giants try to make the playoffs.