SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Justin Verlander was on a minor-league rehab assignment when he got his first taste of the automated ball-strike system, or ABS. Verlander hadn’t used the system before and didn’t plan on challenging any pitches. Before his outing, Verlander told his catcher to handle any and all appeals.

The San Francisco Giants signed starting pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year deal in the offseason. This was one of several moves that the Giants made this offseason, including signing shortstop Willy Adames to a long-term deal.

The San Francisco Giants have received a lot of negative feedback about how they handled their pitching staff this offseason. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell opted out of his contract, hitting free agency after one year with the team.