Astros’ Justin Verlander scratched against Tigers with neck problem

HOUSTON – Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander has been removed from Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers because of neck discomfort.

“He’s been dealing with this for about two weeks, trying to get through it,” manager Joe Espada said. “And we thought it would be smart if we could just take a break here, skip a start and try to get to the bottom of it.”

“When I was there, I felt like it didn’t really bother me,” Verlander said. “But when I go home and sit down and really think about it, I think it’s too much of a coincidence and my mechanics were really messed up.”

The Astros hope the 41-year-old right-hander won’t need to go on the injured list. It is listed on a daily basis.

“Missing a start is not something you want,” added Verlander. “But honestly, the day-to-day is a good thing…and you have to trust the coaches, trust everyone you talk to and I think the prognosis is pretty good. So, I can’t give a grade to this subject. but I feel good about it.”

Verlander said he cut his bullpen session short Wednesday because of the problem, but had hoped he would feel well enough to start Saturday.

“It wasn’t worse, it just felt like it broke me a little bit,” he said. “And after a few games, it got a little stiff, and then I was able to work on it and throw and do whatever I needed to finish. But during the bullpen, it broke out a little bit. a little bit and I kind of pulled on the shoot and tried not to be stupid about it and push it like I normally would.”

The three-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts this season.

Spencer Arrighetti, who was scheduled to start Sunday, will start Saturday in place of Verlander. Espada said the Astros have not yet decided who will start the series finale in Arrighetti’s place.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.