By AP
DETROIT – Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander says struggling in 2008 has made him a better pitcher.
That's not good news for opponents.
Verlander's first two seasons were exceptional, and he's putting together a second straight strong year.
He ranks among league leaders with an 8-4 record and 85 strikeouts entering tonight's start on the road against the New York Mets.
Verlander is the only pitcher to throw a no-hitter, start a World Series game, and be a rookie of the year and an All-Star in his first two full seasons.
He says his stuff simply went away two years ago when he was 11-17 with a 4.84 ERA.
Verlander got his groove back in time to get an $80 million contract last winter.