Justin Verlander’s pursuit of his 300th career victory remains elusive as the 42-year-old San Francisco Giants pitcher has yet to notch a win in 2025. Entering his 13th start of the season during Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, Verlander’s career win total stands unchanged at 262 despite his consistent efforts on the mound.

The veteran right-hander’s current 0-5 record and 4.52 ERA highlight a challenging stretch, far from the expectations set when he signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Giants in January. His next opportunity comes against a White Sox team with one of the worst records in Major League Baseball, offering some potential advantage.

Verlander’s Historical Success Against the White Sox Offers Some Hope

Over his extensive career, Verlander holds a 23-14 record with a 3.66 ERA in 48 starts versus the Chicago White Sox, including an 8-8 mark with nearly a 4.00 ERA in 23 games played in Chicago. Despite this track record, recent outings have been difficult. In his last start against Miami, Verlander allowed three runs on five hits over five innings while striking out five batters, resulting in a 4-2 loss.

He has managed to pitch six innings or more in just four of his 12 starts in 2025, also allowing three or more runs in half of those games. This level of performance contrasts with the dominant seasons he posted earlier in his career.

I felt like the stuff got a little bit better, the velo jumped up a tad, location was significantly better,

Verlander said.

Again, just a hit here and there I need to clean up. Just kind of finding barrels at the wrong time.

I need to be a little bit better. The swings and misses and strikeouts are going up which is a good sign. My location is getting better, so things are still trending (in the right direction).

Giants’ Offense Struggles Amplify Verlander’s Challenges

The San Francisco Giants’ offense has often provided limited support, managing only four singles in a 1-0 loss on Saturday, marking their eighth shutout loss of the season. San Francisco’s 19-16 record in one-run games shows that tight contests have frequently been decided narrowly, but the offense’s inability to push runs across has been a significant hindrance to Verlander’s win improvement.

Addressing questions about his teammates’ role in the drought, Verlander dismissed any blame on them and emphasized his own responsibility for the lack of wins.

It’s not on them, it’s on me,

he stated.

I haven’t put them in good position. Obviously there were times early in the year but you can’t expect to get many wins when you go out there every time and give up three-plus runs and don’t go deep into the game. That’s where I need to do better for sure. I plan on it.

White Sox Prepare to Counter Verlander with Jonathan Cannon’s Return

The Chicago White Sox will counter Verlander’s start with right-hander Jonathan Cannon, who is returning from a back strain after being on the injured list since June 3. Cannon holds a 2-7 record with a 4.66 ERA for the season, and in his single career start against San Francisco, he struggled, allowing five runs and three home runs in three innings during a 13-2 loss to Detroit.

While the White Sox dropped the series opener to the Giants 3-1 on Friday, they bounced back on Saturday. Starter Adrian Houser delivered seven innings with just four singles allowed and five strikeouts. Hard-throwing rookie reliever Grant Taylor then secured his second career save with two hitless innings, showcasing his powerful fastball by reaching 100 mph or above on seven pitches.

I think everyone’s in attack mode,

Taylor said regarding the White Sox bullpen.

Nothing to lose. We’re going to try and win every single ballgame and get after guys.

I know he wants the ball and he pitches like it,

said Chicago manager Will Venable about Taylor’s competitive mindset.

White Sox Face Continued Uncertainty Without Luis Robert Jr.

The White Sox have played consecutive games without their center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who left Wednesday’s game against Arizona due to a tight hamstring. Reports indicate that Robert is not expected to be placed on the injured list and remains day-to-day as the team continues its fighting spirit despite the challenges.

Ongoing Implications for Verlander and the Giants

Justin Verlander’s continued inability to secure wins in 2025 prolongs his wait for the milestone 300th victory, a landmark rarely achieved in Major League Baseball. While his pitching shows signs of improvement, addressing consistency and endurance on the mound will be crucial as the Giants attempt to capitalize on close games. Facing a struggling White Sox team might provide an opening, but Verlander and the team must overcome both offensive and pitching challenges to reverse the troubling trend.

Looking ahead, Verlander’s performance in the upcoming starts will likely influence the trajectory of both his season and the Giants’ playoff hopes, with the veteran pitching star still aiming to redefine his late-career legacy.