A group of Giants prospects knew they had a tough assignment when they got a chance to square off against Justin Verlander in a simulated game at the club’s Player Development Center at Papago Park on Saturday afternoon.

Even in his 20th MLB season, Justin Verlander remains committed to evolving as a pitcher. The San Francisco Giants’ veteran right-hander is experimenting with a new sweeping curveball, hoping to refine his arsenal and stay ahead of hitters.

Justin Verlander wasn’t really ducking the Dodgers on Saturday — he said the team was doing him a favor so he didn’t have to make the 30-minute-plus drive to Glendale, where the San Francisco Giants were playing their rivals.

Plus Bryce Eldridge is working with J.T. Snow on his defense at first base. Eldridge will make his first start on Tuesday.

Three-time American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander turned 42 years old on Thursday and is still hoping reach the 300-win mark as he prepares for his 20th big league season and first with the San Francisco Giants.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Justin Verlander celebrated his 42nd birthday on Thursday and San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin made sure everyone in the clubhouse was aware of it. During the team’s morning meeting, all the rookies and first-year campers were instructed to get up and sing “Happy Birthday” to the three-time Cy Young Award winner.

Justin Verlander hasn’t been shy about giving out pitching tips to young Giants hurlers over the first two weeks of Spring Training. But before Verlander made his Cactus League debut on Monday, his new teammates offered him one in return.

On a sun-drenched morning early in camp, Hayden Birdsong stepped onto a bullpen mound at Scottsdale Stadium and found himself surrounded by the usual array of teammates, coaches, front office members and analysts.

Holmes dominated the Houston Astros on Thursday as he went 3.0 innings without giving up a run. The former New York Yankees reliever has pitched six innings of scoreless baseball in spring training as he looks to be ready for the regular season.

Giants' new starting pitcher Justin Verlander strives to emulate idol Nolan Ryan as he prepares for his 20th MLB season

A future Hall of Famer, Justin Verlander is prepared to play the veteran role and share his knowledge in San Francisco.