$160 million worth ace pitcher Justin Verlander ADMITS team going through bad phase as NY titans Mets vs. Yankees ready to face off
NY Mets pitcher Justin Verlander recently opened up about the struggles faced by him and his side. They now have a chance to make things right as they lock horns with NY Yankees.
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Justin Verlander (Pic Credit: The Athletic]
With the highly anticipated clash between two city rivals up next, New York Mets ace pitcher Justin Verlander admitted the struggles of the team. The Subway Series against the New York Yankees comes at a time when both sides have struggled for form and consistency. The two heavyweight titans of NY face the unwanted situation of missing the postseason.
Statistically, the Yankees have fared better than their city counterparts. The Bronx Bombers are currently 38-29, nine games behind the runaway leaders Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, the Mets are going through one of the worst phases. Their record of 31-35 with a win percentage of .470 has become a worrying sign for the Mets faithful. Just like the Yankees, they are also nine games behind their division toppers.
Speaking to Newsday, Verlander mentioned that it has not been an easy season for them so far. The Cy Young award winner joined the Mets in a two-year mega-money deal. So far he has failed to live up to the hype and expectations placed on his veteran shoulders. “I’m not paid the way I’m paid and I don’t expect to pitch like that,” the ace pitcher claimed.
In his seven starts of the season, he has picked up an ERA of 4.85. According to StatsCast, his strikeout percentage has dropped down while his walk percentage has increased. This has shown clear signs of an underwhelming year so far. He started off the season in great form but has since seen his performance go down.
Related: WATCH: NY Mets and Pirates fans BRAWL in stands at PNC Park during blowout game
Justin Verlander is optimistic about bouncing back against the NY Yankees
The 2023 season has been a poor one so far for the NY Mets. They were dealt a massive blow recently when their star hitter Pete Alonso joined the injured list. The Mets will now have to try and find a way to deal with things without Alonso. Despite these constant struggles, Verlander is hopeful of bouncing back against the Yankees.
Whenever two big teams come face-to-face against each other, all recent results and forms go out of the window. The NY Yankees will come into this series having lost the rivalry series two games to one to the Red Sox. Verlander, who is likely to go up against his former teammate in the form of Gerrit Cole is reported to be relishing this chance.
“I know the energy will be great. I am just trying to pitch a little better,” Verlander added. There is no doubt that this match-up will be observed closely by many. The pressure is definitely on the shoulders of both manager Aaron Boone and Buck Showalter. Both coaches have been asked by fans to resign from their posts. A wrong result here could prove to be the final nail in their tenure.
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Vinay Dave
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