Verlander On Fire….

After 4 mediocre pitching performances to start the season, Justin Verlander has pitched the last 3 games like he wants to challenge Zack Greinke for the Cy Young. Verlander was again dominate last night as he pitched a complete game shutout while striking out 11 in beating the Indians 1-0.

Verlander has been on fire

In Verlander’s last 3 starts, the Tigers’ ace is 3-0 with a 0.36 era with 31 K’s and just 11 hits allowed in 25 innings. That is the Verlander that the Tigers need. Not the Verlander who was 11-17 with a 4.84 era in 2008 or the Velander that started the season 0-2 and gave up 21 earned runs in 21 innings in his first 4 starts of 2009.

Verlander is the best pitcher in the AL Central not named Zack Greinke. If he can continue to pitch the way he has over his last 3 starts, the Tigers will be a serious contender in the very average AL Central.