Verlander's Spring Struggles: Home Run Woes Continue

Justin Verlander concluded his spring training with another rough outing, surrendering two home runs that brought his exhibition total to seven. Despite the long balls, the veteran pitcher felt his final start was a positive step, noting he generated swings and misses. Verlander, set to make his first regular-season start in Arizona, highlighted the need for better fastball control, acknowledging that at his age, "it is hard to get the engine revving again." He threw 70 pitches over 4 2-3 innings, allowing six runs on eight hits.

Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed that Javier Báez will remain a primary shortstop, emphasizing his willingness to play multiple positions as a significant asset to the team's flexibility. Báez demonstrated this versatility last season, playing shortstop, center field, third base, and second base. Hinch expressed comfort with the team's depth and health, looking forward to the upcoming season.

In other roster news, Parker Meadows secured the final outfield spot, with Hinch citing Meadows' improved performance and adjustments during spring training. Meadows' spring slash line was .222/.314/.289 with three doubles and three RBIs. Wenceel Perez, who had a slower start but finished strong with his first spring homers, will be optioned to Triple-A to refine his approach to the strike zone.