Verlander: Results 'atrocious' after latest blow-up outing

A rough return from the injured list got even worse for Justin Verlander on Sunday.

The 41-year-old allowed eight runs over just three innings in a disastrous 12-6 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He's now 0-4 with a 9.68 ERA since missing two and a half months with neck soreness.

"I felt good physically, but obviously, the results were atrocious," Verlander said, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. "Guys hit a lot of good pitches, though."

Pavin Smith, in particular, had his way with Verlander - he took him deep twice as part of a three-home run, eight-RBI game.

Verlander failed to strike out a batter Sunday for only the fifth time in his storied career. The three-inning outing was his second shortest with Houston, and the eight earned runs allowed were his most as an Astro.

However, Verlander isn't convinced the results tell the full story.

“I thought the fastball was better today overall," he added. "The offspeed was a bit inconsistent location-wise, which got me in a little bit of trouble."

The three-time Cy Young Award winner and former AL MVP owns a 3.29 ERA with 3,405 strikeouts across 19 seasons.

The Astros hold a 4.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West.