Houston Astros veteran Justin Verlander was scratched from Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers at the last minute due to neck discomfort.
Verlander was scheduled to start the game at Minute Maid Park, but Spencer Arrighetti took the mound instead.
Manager Joe Espada said the neck issue is something Verlander has been dealing with for a few weeks.
Verlander, 41, is currently being considered day-to-day. The team is hopeful that he won’t need to hit the injured list.
Verlander, who spent the first 12 years of his career with the Tigers after they selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in 2004, said he had to cut a bullpen session short on Wednesday due to his neck issue, too.
Verlander has a 3.95 ERA and a 3-2 record in 10 starts this season. In his most recent outing last Sunday, he gave up four runs and five hits as the Astros lost to the Los Angeles Angels. Entering Saturday’s game, the Astros had a 32-38 record and had lost three of their last five games.
Arrighetti was slated to start on Sunday against the Tigers. It’s unclear who will take his place to close out the three-game series
