Astros place Verlander on injured list due to neck discomfort

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, 41, was scratched from Saturday's start due to neck discomfort. Manager Joe Espada stated that Verlander had been trying to pitch through the issue but needed time to recover. The team is hopeful he won't need to go on the injured list. Verlander's return timeline depends on his recovery. The Astros have been dealing with multiple injuries, including Tommy John surgeries for Cristian Javier and José Urquidy. Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia could return after the All-Star break. Verlander is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA this season. Spencer Arrighetti replaced him on Saturday, and the starter for Thursday's game is yet to be announced. Yordan Alvarez, dealing with a family matter, may return soon. Kyle Tucker, with 19 homers, is on the 10-day IL with a bruised right shin. Verlander's absence may impact his trade value positively.