http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx...700&position=P
His K/9 is still very, very good. He is a power pitcher who still can throw it past guys better than almost anyone. The velocity IS down a touch but it clearly hasn't had too much of an effect. He can still dial it up to the high 90s if need be, even late in games. One of the "trademarks" of JV has always been his ability to almost seamlessly switch from a 98 mph fastball to 91 mph and back again, within 3 pitches. He hasn't lost that, though I don't think he's been throwing any 101mph pitches in the 8th inning this season (much like he did last year).
What is alarming to me is his BB/9 and BABIP stats. His walk rate is way above his normal.
The BABIP suggests bad defense, but that isn't exactly a startling revelation with this Tigers club. Though I think it shows more that he's been "unlucky" this season as opposed to seasons past where he's been much "luckier" in terms of balls hit in play. Interestingly, Scherzer has a .266 BABIP this season. Also oddly, Scherzer tends to get much better run support. Maybe the team just plays better when Scherzer's on the mound? /shrug Maybe JV is a dick.
I mean.. his home runs and ground ball rate are still very good. He hasn't even really been pitching badly. He had an issue with his mechanics earlier in the season that's supposedly been fixed with the pitching coach, and he has had a couple good outings since then (before last night).
I think it's mostly a combination of simple regression from human cyborg pitcher to just human pitcher, getting his dick wet with Kate Upton, and the millions upon millions of dollars he is swimming in. IDK. I'm not really worried, let's see how he pitches in September before raising any alarms imo.