Justin Verlander is well past his prime. That is the objective truth of baseball’s oldest active player. But on occasions, such as Monday night at PNC Park as the Giants (56-57)

Verlander remained stuck on 263 career victories in his quest for 300. If the Giants were a mining claim, he would’ve abandoned it by now. Short of the Giants releasing him and eating the rest of his $15 million salary, Verlander will have to keep swinging his pickax at what’s been a barren landscape.

Justin Verlander pitched well, but was again denied a victory as All-Star reliever Randy Rodriguez couldn't close it out in a 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.