Justin Verlander

He scored both runs the Reds got off Verlander. McLain's plate discipline was lacking this spring after his year off, but the important thing is that his power has come all of the way back after shoulder surgery. In fact, he has five hard-hit balls through two games.

Matt McLain got to him, but Verlander was strong against everyone else today, finishing up with five strikeouts and one walk. He averaged 94.1 mph with his fastball, up 0.6 mph from last year, and topped out at 95.9 mph. There's little chance of Verlander reemerging as a Cy Young contender at age 42, but he should offer some mixed-league value while healthy.

Justin Verlander matched Lodolo for five, but the Reds pulled ahead in the sixth and hung on from there. Lodolo won despite striking out just one and giving up eight hard-hit balls, including a Wilmer Flores homer. It all worked out against a below average offense, but he'll probably need to be a little better next time out against the Brewers.

Justin Verlander shared an honest assessment of his Giants debut in San Francisco's 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday at Great American Ball Park.

Justin Verlander did his part in his Giants debut, but San Francisco's bats went quiet in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday at Great American Ball Park.