When you talk about the best pitchers of this generation, there is no two-way about it – Justin Verlander is one of the best. But his time with the San Francisco Giants has been anything but a roller coaster ride. And right now, he added a new and unwanted chapter to his season. Well, Verlander was ejected from the home plate by umpire Chad Whitson! (But wait, till you hear the reason)

The reason? Arguing balls and strikes from the dugout! It was a moment that summed up the frustrations of his year gone sideways. His night was over rather soon, and all for his reaction from the bench. Clearly vocal enough that it drew Whitson’s attention and ended up with him being tossed.

And adding to the tension were some questionable strike zone calls earlier in the game. Brett Wisely, who had seen a few close ones go against him, came through with an RBI single. Jung Ho Lee followed with another RBI hit. That closed the gap to 7-6. But then, just as the momentum started to shift, Lee was caught off the bag while trying to advance, and then the inning came to a stop. This is Verlander being ejected!

Now, here is the context that really matters—this was not just frustration about one inning or one call. Verlander is 0-8 with a 4.99 ERA this season. In July alone, he is sporting a 9.26 ERA and has given up 14 earned runs in just three starts. The San Francisco Giants in those games have been outscored 17-0. Ouch! They are not just losing; they are getting blown over.

Verlander has now gone 16 starts without a single win and has broken Matt Cain’s team record. This is a brutal run, and it’s understandable why the emotions were running high for him and maybe boiled over. So maybe it was the calls, maybe the frustration of the season unfolding. And maybe it was the final straw—maybe he knows he might be on his way out.

 3 pitchers who could replace Verlander in the San Francisco Giants

With every passing outing, Verlander’s time with the Giants seems to be taking a dire turn. Between his winless record, mounting ERA, and now an ejection from the dugout, it’s fair to wonder—is it time for the San Francisco Giants to make a move? While the trade market for sure is heating up, there seems to be a chance that the SF Giants might explore their backyard first. Let’s look into three names from within the franchise of who they could replace Verlander with.

1. Carson Seymour

Carson Seymour has had a short stint with the big league already this year. Then he allowed two earned runs over four innings before heading back to Triple-A. And there too, he is putting together great numbers, and this season till now, he has a 3.86 ERA in 77 innings. Not flashy, but for sure steady, and maybe this is what the Giants need, given things are extremely shaky.

2. Carson Whisenhunt

Another Carson on the list, but Whisenhunt is the Giants’ top pitching prospect, and well, for a reason. He showcased his power at the Futures Game and has spent this season in Triple-A with the Sacramento River Cats. In 17 starts, Carson Whisenhunt holds a 4.50 ERA across 94 innings. And he has 82 strikeouts and 28 walks, and sure, his name doesn’t scream ace, but his changeup might be worth testing at the MLB level.

3. Mason Black

Now, this name might be out of place because the SF Giants for sure know the name and the rocky outings. He, after all, gave up 26 earned runs in over 36 innings last season. His one appearance this year was no better. But given that he is still in the system, maybe the Giants may give him another chance to prove himself.

However, let’s be real, none of the above guys are guaranteed upgrades from Verlander. But with the rotation in limbo, the Giants may have to take a gamble. What do you think? Will they take the internal route or the trade route?