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Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Verlander's (neck) progress has been "slower than we expected," Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Advice: Verlander was scratched of his most recently scheduled start this past weekend against the Tigers because of neck discomfort. The club had been hoping he would be ready to start Thursday versus the White Sox, and while Espada didn't seem to officially rule Verlander out for the series finale in Chicago, he now appears likely to be pushed back again. Houston could have Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco both move up a day to start on Thursday and Friday, respectively, which would keep both pitchers on their typical four days' rest. The arrangement would also give Verlander a couple extra days to heal up if the team thinks he could take the ball Saturday versus the Orioles. A stint on the injured list for Verlander also can't be ruled out. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 11:03 am

Gray allowed two runs on five hits and two walks over 7.2 innings in Monday's 7-6 win versus the Marlins. He struck out four and didn't factor in the decision.

Advice: Gray pitched into the eighth inning for the first time this season and left the game up 4-1, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead. The four strikeouts were a season low for Gray as he worked fast and efficiently, needing only 84 pitches to record 23 outs. The veteran's ERA now sits at 2.95 with a 1.02 WHIP through 13 starts. Rotowire.com Monday, 8:50 pm

Musgrove (elbow) is expected to play catch Wednesday or Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Advice: Musgrove will throw for the first time since he went on the injured list June 1 due to a bone spur in his right elbow. The right-hander acknowledged that his new slider may have contributed to the issue and indicated Saturday that he is considering how to alter either the grip or his wrist action on the pitch. Musgrove also shared that he is working to change the landing on his delivery in order to reduce the stress on his arm. The veteran hurler could still need surgery to remove the bone spur, but even if he avoids that scenario, he probably won't be ready to rejoin the Padres until late July. Rotowire.com Jun 17, 11:18 am

Eflin did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against Atlanta. He struck out seven.

Advice: Eflin entered the sixth inning with a four-run lead, but after retiring the first two batters in the frame, he allowed four consecutive singles and was removed one out shy of completing six full innings. The seven strikeouts marked a season high for Eflin, who had failed to record more than three strikeouts during any of his previous five starts. He'll carry a 4.12 ERA and 1.17 WHIP into his next start, currently slated to take place over the weekend when the Rays travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates. Rotowire.com Jun 16, 7:29 pm

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Verlander (neck) could pitch either Wednesday or Thursday against the White Sox in Houston, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Advice: Manager Joe Espada suggested earlier in the day that Verlander could rejoin the rotation for the Chicago series, and Brown's comments help further narrow down a potential return date for the 41-year-old righty. Verlander was unable to make his scheduled start Saturday versus the Tigers after experiencing neck discomfort during his bullpen session Wednesday, prompting the Astros to push both Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco ahead in the pitching schedule. The extra rest appears to have done Verlander some good, as he was able to play catch prior to Sunday's series finale with Detroit. He'll likely try to throw another bullpen session Monday or Tuesday before the Astros lock him for a start against the White Sox. Rotowire.com Jun 16, 5:18 pm