Jutin Verlander Perfect in Detroit Loss; Matt Young Triples in Three in Angels' Rout of Dodgers

Players of the Day for Friday, March 1, 2013

Grapefruit League

Verlander: perfect

Don't blame Justin Verlander for Detroit's 6-2 loss to the Mets Friday afternoon.

The 2008 Rookie of the year and 2011 Cy Young Award winner is already in game shape and arguably, mid-season form, tossing three innings of no-hit ball for the Tigers in his second start of the Spring.

Though he didn't get a decision either way, Verlander was as impressive as usual, fanning three without surrendering a walk.

The Mets struck for all their runs in the 4th through 7th innings, while six New York hurlers scattered 12 Tiger hits, surrendering only two runs.

Cactus League

Matt Young

The Angels and Dodgers each banged out 15 hits, but it was the halos who made the most of theirs, also taking advantage of four Dodger errors and six walks to outscore the Dodgers, 16-8, notching their first win of the pre-season, against five losses.

Matt Young stroked a bases-loaded triple to drive in three runs and scored one in two at-bats to lead the Angels.

Young is looking to find a roster spot on an LA squad that is loaded with power, and he's putting on a good show, getting seven hits in his first ten at-bats (.700).

Young has bounced around since 2009, from the Braves to the Tigers (last season) to the Angels, but has yet to garner any significant playing time in the majors, still qualifying as a rookie, despite his age: 30.