As a Tiger, Verlander lost a lot in preseason as well. As Denny McLain said, during his 30 win season (also 1968), he had no control over his teammates' getting runs. They scored runs off the opponents when McLain pitched and got him the wins.
they lowered the mound after the 1968 season...pitchers were way too dominant..after that, both McLain and Gibson flamed out..totally different era.